The most popular method to build webpages today is to use
WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) software. Microsoft
FrontPage and Macromedia Dreamweaver are prime examples of
WYSIWYG software. Both programs allow you to create webpages as
though you were creating a document with your favourite word
processing software like Microsoft Word or WordPerfect. Its as
simple as entering paragraphs, headings and inserting clipart or
images.
WYSIWYG software like those listed above are prefect for
beginner webpage builders who want webpages constructed quickly
without having to learn HTML (Hyper Text Markup Language).
All webpages are brought to life using HTML codes, regardless
what webpage building software is used. WYSIWYG programs simply
create the HTML codes as you construct a webpage (in the
background, without you knowing), so you don't need to
understand them.
This is without a doubt the biggest advantage over any other
type of webpage building programs. It means that if you can
press keys on a keyboard, you have what is required to create
your very own webpage!
However, most WYSIWYG programs don't give you absolute, total
control over webpage design (ie, exactly the way you want the
page to look). There are design limitations.
For example, you may want to place headings, sub headings and a
navigation menu in a particular arrangement on the webpage, but
no matter how many times you try, the program won't permit such
placement or position them correctly. This is one big
disadvantage of WYSIWYG programs if you desire a custom look to
all your webpages.
Knowledge of HTML, however, can assist you to overcome such
design shortfalls in WYSIWYG programs. How is this possible? Let
me explain.
If you understand HTML codes, then you understand why webpages
appear the way they do in a web browser, such as Microsoft
Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox. This is powerful stuff
because the moment you change/modify HTML codes, the webpage
will take on a new design/appearance.
And don't forget that HTML codes are exact, giving you total
freedom over how everything appears on the webpage. Most WYSIWYG
programs allow you to view and modify the HTML codes. As you can
see, knowledge of HTML is beneficial.
The downside to HTML is the learning curve. It takes time to
understand how HTML works and why, but once you know, using HTML
to create totally custom designed webpages is easy. For the
beginner, HTML can be challenging, but don't despair because
there are HTML tutorials available that teach you basic and
advanced HTML in a matter of days!
So the question is - Should you bother learning HTML to build
webpages? The answer - yes and no.
It is obvious that WYSIWYG software speeds up production of
webpage development regardless of your knowledge on how to build
webpages. However, to further refine and tune your webpages
exactly to your liking, it is usually necessary to add and
modify HTML codes. So yes, HTML is worthwhile learning if you
are unsatisfied with the webpages produced by WYSIWYG software.
There is little point learning HTML if you are 100% satisfied
with the webpages made with WYSIWYG software.
One thing is certain. Using WYSIWYG software and learning HTML
codes is the answer for those of us who want webpages made
exactly to our requirements. Learning HTML is not as hard as you
think. To get started, simply search any major search engine
like Google, Yahoo or MSN using the search phrase "html
tutorials", its that easy!
About the author:
Les Pinczi is the creator of interactive HTML learning software
to help you learn how to
create a web page in hours!
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