WEB DEVELOPMENT & DESIGN LINKS
Below are helpful links related to the world of web development and design for all skill levels.
HTML/XHTML
Introduction to HTML (w3schools)
Introduction to XHTML (w3schools)
HTML vs. XHTML (w3schools)
Choosing a DOCTYPE
Validating a web page
CSS
Introduction to CSS (w3schools)
ID vs. CLASS
Basic CSS Layout
CSS Positioning (Absolute/Relative)
CSS Float, Clear and Multi-Column Layout Examples
CSS Vertical Alignment
CSS Horizontal Alignment
MSIE Conditionals (aka CSS Hacks but legal!)
Validating CSS
Master Reset CSS Stylesheet (save as reset.css, link it first, fixes many known browser quirks)
Why CSS layout will make you money vs. tabular layout (opinion, interesting reading)
FONT EMBEDDING
Font Embedding Techniques and Browser Support Issues
Font Embedding Example for MSIE (Weft, *.EOT, @FONT-FACE in CSS)
JAVASCRIPT
Introduction to Javascript (w3schools)
Basic form validation (w3schools)
DHTML Tutorial (Dynamic HTML which combines HTML, JavaScript, DOM, and CSS) (w3schools)
Basic Javascript Image Rollovers and Image Pre-Loading
Over 300 Javascript Tutorials (from Ajax to Windows and Frames, alphabetized)
Javascript Libraries (Full libraries i.e. JQuery, Mootools, Lightbox2, Prototype, AJS plus effects and tools)
Learn Advanced Javascript Programming (Shiran methodologies)
Keyboard and Mouse Button Event Handling Overview (i.e. onMouseOver, onKeyPress, etc.)
Excellent Javascript Tutorial - organized into lessons (thanks to olup)
PRIVACY POLICY (P3P)
Every site should have a valid privacy policy like this one linked in their footer or somewhere visible on the web page.
To establish a policy users may view in their browsers, create a P3P (Platform for Privacy Preferences Project) compliant policy you upload to your web site.
P3P tutorial (links on the right for implementation and deployment)
Download the FREE policy maker here (Java, runs on any platform, validates on the fly)
SEO: SEARCH ENGINE OPTIMIZATION
Google's SEO Tips
Recommendations and Guidelines (Detailed)
Top 10 SEO Tips
PHP
PHP Beginners's Tutorial from Zend, i.e. PHP 101 (excellent)
PHP.net (the place to go to research functions, download PHP, seek help)
How to setup PHP on Apache (Various platforms, also see MAMP below for Mac)
How to setup PHP and MySQL (Various Platforms, also see MAMP below for Mac)
Object Oriented Programming (OOP/classes) in PHP
PHP Classes Shareware/Freeware repository (#1 site to download PHP classes - OOP)
PHP 4 vs. PHP 5
PHP Top 10 Programming Tips (Advanced)
PHP and SQL Injection Prevention and Programming Tips
PHP and Regular Expressions
Compile your PHP source for FREE (bet you didn't know this was even possible)
PHP for Enterprise Level sites and architecture (video, opinion)
PHP Knowledge Base (excellent)
MYSQL
Download MAMP on a Mac (MySQL, Apache, PHP all at once with desktop GUI - Excellent)
Download MySQL Community version natively on a Mac (downloadable .DMG for Mac OS X 10.5 or later, Note: MAMP is preferred by most users)
MySQL basic tutorial - for beginners (Learn about SQL, MySQL and all the basics)
MySQL/PHP tutorial with example code (how to use PHP functions for MySQL queries)
Download phpMyAdmin - Web based management of MySQL
Download Sequel Pro for Mac - Desktop GUI based management of MySQL for Mac
MySQL Server FAQs (detailed as to why you should use MySQL server and how)
REGULAR EXPRESSIONS HELP
Tutorials and help on regular expressions (premier web site)
Testing tool for regular expressions (web site, highly suggested during development)
How to strip all HTML tags (spans multiple lines and any sort attributes, example is for PHP)
How to validate an E-Mail address (various examples, suggestions, RFC-2822 compliancy)
HELP FOR COMMON IWEB ISSUES
To add a text hyperlink, type it in and highlight. Use the Link Inspector to convert selected text into a hyperlink. Click Inspector in the toolbar, and then click the Link Inspector button. In the Link Inspector, select "Enable as a hyperlink," and then choose an option from the Link To pop-up menu.
To add HTML on your page don't just type it in. If you’re in iWeb ’09, drag the HTML Snippet from the Media pane into place on your web page. If you’re in iWeb ’08, you’ll use the Insert menu, Insert -> HTML Snippet. For versions prior to that, export HTML edit manually, but you'll need to do this each site change (stupid), or use a third party add-on like web enhancer which isn't free, is bloatware (more stupid), and is of course unnecessary if you're using any recent version. Recent iWeb allows more standard developer tools than in the past, but remember - iWeb is not intended for dynamic site development with database, server side scripting, etc. Just remember what it's used for - we here on the forum always say stuff like this, it's almost a default answer.
BTW, if the PayPal button is an image you have and wish to insert and hyperlink it, then insert the PayPal button graphic then select it on your page by clicking on it. Then, look in the Inspector under the Link button and you will see how to enable as a hyperlink. You then enter the html code from PayPal there and it links the button graphic to PayPal's site.
HOW TO DETERMINE HOURLY/SALARY RATE FOR WEB DESIGNER/DEVELOPER JOBS
As to rate, according to Salary.com the national average for "web designer" is $58k per year. From this you can loosely extrapolate, using a 40 hour work week, that the average national hourly rate for web design is between $27-30. However, don't tell the client that just yet! This number can vary greatly depending on these critical factors:
Not to mention if you're going to theme, create modules in an open source CMS, do server side/web hosting/DNS setup, design from scratch, database implementation, initial content entry, session/login, SEO, etc. I mean, just changing "designer" to "developer" (i.e. back end coding/database involved on a dynamic site) increases the average national base salary to $75k without any of the above factors taken into consideration.
So this can get real confusing, fast.
My advice is to visit this page: http://www.indeed.com/salary?q1=Web+Designer&l1=
But --- add in your location at minimum, also try correcting the job title and by adding keywords that best describe what you're going to actually do and use that to create a sensible range. Go towards the lower half for simple static web pages, middle if a simply using open source CMS, higher if doing back end work, database, on top of all that. Get the idea?
For comparison, do the same on your local Craig's List just to see how others are charging, but only use it (like Salary.com findings) as one source, not THE source. Just like the advice offered here as one source.
There is no perfect number, and without knowing your direct experience or tasks involved, alwats include some wiggle room in your rate to account for mistakes, but keep within the overall range as I noted above if you "need" to be competitive. The purpose of my reply is NOT to act as a numbers guide nor is it intended for DIY's or one-timers who want fast and easy money and could care less about reputation ("need"). So this is a "professional" oriented response even for novices doing their first or only gig. This is also so many more may come your way as you start your portfolio -- by doing it "right".
[source excerpt: https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/1589369/ Jim Goldbloom]
Please do not comment on this in this topic, visit the above link or start a new topic, thank you.
UPDATING POLICY / ATTN MODERATORS, IT'S OKAY TO CLOSE THIS TOPIC IF OPEN - THANK YOU
This topic is no longer maintained on a regular basis but serves as an excellent basic repository for PHP/developer novices and gurus alike who might find these links useful.
If information presented here is inaccurate or out of date please contact the moderator to update. Requests to add new content is at the discretion of the moderators.
Special thanks to moderator xUKHCx for setting this topic as sticky for us.
Below are helpful links related to the world of web development and design for all skill levels.
HTML/XHTML
Introduction to HTML (w3schools)
Introduction to XHTML (w3schools)
HTML vs. XHTML (w3schools)
Choosing a DOCTYPE
Validating a web page
CSS
Introduction to CSS (w3schools)
ID vs. CLASS
Basic CSS Layout
CSS Positioning (Absolute/Relative)
CSS Float, Clear and Multi-Column Layout Examples
CSS Vertical Alignment
CSS Horizontal Alignment
MSIE Conditionals (aka CSS Hacks but legal!)
Validating CSS
Master Reset CSS Stylesheet (save as reset.css, link it first, fixes many known browser quirks)
Why CSS layout will make you money vs. tabular layout (opinion, interesting reading)
FONT EMBEDDING
Font Embedding Techniques and Browser Support Issues
Font Embedding Example for MSIE (Weft, *.EOT, @FONT-FACE in CSS)
JAVASCRIPT
Introduction to Javascript (w3schools)
Basic form validation (w3schools)
DHTML Tutorial (Dynamic HTML which combines HTML, JavaScript, DOM, and CSS) (w3schools)
Basic Javascript Image Rollovers and Image Pre-Loading
Over 300 Javascript Tutorials (from Ajax to Windows and Frames, alphabetized)
Javascript Libraries (Full libraries i.e. JQuery, Mootools, Lightbox2, Prototype, AJS plus effects and tools)
Learn Advanced Javascript Programming (Shiran methodologies)
Keyboard and Mouse Button Event Handling Overview (i.e. onMouseOver, onKeyPress, etc.)
Excellent Javascript Tutorial - organized into lessons (thanks to olup)
PRIVACY POLICY (P3P)
Every site should have a valid privacy policy like this one linked in their footer or somewhere visible on the web page.
To establish a policy users may view in their browsers, create a P3P (Platform for Privacy Preferences Project) compliant policy you upload to your web site.
P3P tutorial (links on the right for implementation and deployment)
Download the FREE policy maker here (Java, runs on any platform, validates on the fly)
SEO: SEARCH ENGINE OPTIMIZATION
Google's SEO Tips
Recommendations and Guidelines (Detailed)
Top 10 SEO Tips
PHP
PHP Beginners's Tutorial from Zend, i.e. PHP 101 (excellent)
PHP.net (the place to go to research functions, download PHP, seek help)
How to setup PHP on Apache (Various platforms, also see MAMP below for Mac)
How to setup PHP and MySQL (Various Platforms, also see MAMP below for Mac)
Object Oriented Programming (OOP/classes) in PHP
PHP Classes Shareware/Freeware repository (#1 site to download PHP classes - OOP)
PHP 4 vs. PHP 5
PHP Top 10 Programming Tips (Advanced)
PHP and SQL Injection Prevention and Programming Tips
PHP and Regular Expressions
Compile your PHP source for FREE (bet you didn't know this was even possible)
PHP for Enterprise Level sites and architecture (video, opinion)
PHP Knowledge Base (excellent)
MYSQL
Download MAMP on a Mac (MySQL, Apache, PHP all at once with desktop GUI - Excellent)
Download MySQL Community version natively on a Mac (downloadable .DMG for Mac OS X 10.5 or later, Note: MAMP is preferred by most users)
MySQL basic tutorial - for beginners (Learn about SQL, MySQL and all the basics)
MySQL/PHP tutorial with example code (how to use PHP functions for MySQL queries)
Download phpMyAdmin - Web based management of MySQL
Download Sequel Pro for Mac - Desktop GUI based management of MySQL for Mac
MySQL Server FAQs (detailed as to why you should use MySQL server and how)
REGULAR EXPRESSIONS HELP
Tutorials and help on regular expressions (premier web site)
Testing tool for regular expressions (web site, highly suggested during development)
How to strip all HTML tags (spans multiple lines and any sort attributes, example is for PHP)
How to validate an E-Mail address (various examples, suggestions, RFC-2822 compliancy)
HELP FOR COMMON IWEB ISSUES
To add a text hyperlink, type it in and highlight. Use the Link Inspector to convert selected text into a hyperlink. Click Inspector in the toolbar, and then click the Link Inspector button. In the Link Inspector, select "Enable as a hyperlink," and then choose an option from the Link To pop-up menu.
To add HTML on your page don't just type it in. If you’re in iWeb ’09, drag the HTML Snippet from the Media pane into place on your web page. If you’re in iWeb ’08, you’ll use the Insert menu, Insert -> HTML Snippet. For versions prior to that, export HTML edit manually, but you'll need to do this each site change (stupid), or use a third party add-on like web enhancer which isn't free, is bloatware (more stupid), and is of course unnecessary if you're using any recent version. Recent iWeb allows more standard developer tools than in the past, but remember - iWeb is not intended for dynamic site development with database, server side scripting, etc. Just remember what it's used for - we here on the forum always say stuff like this, it's almost a default answer.
BTW, if the PayPal button is an image you have and wish to insert and hyperlink it, then insert the PayPal button graphic then select it on your page by clicking on it. Then, look in the Inspector under the Link button and you will see how to enable as a hyperlink. You then enter the html code from PayPal there and it links the button graphic to PayPal's site.
HOW TO DETERMINE HOURLY/SALARY RATE FOR WEB DESIGNER/DEVELOPER JOBS
As to rate, according to Salary.com the national average for "web designer" is $58k per year. From this you can loosely extrapolate, using a 40 hour work week, that the average national hourly rate for web design is between $27-30. However, don't tell the client that just yet! This number can vary greatly depending on these critical factors:
- Job Title
- Skill Level (Junior, Senior)
- Age
- Experience
- Region (oh so important, your location)
Not to mention if you're going to theme, create modules in an open source CMS, do server side/web hosting/DNS setup, design from scratch, database implementation, initial content entry, session/login, SEO, etc. I mean, just changing "designer" to "developer" (i.e. back end coding/database involved on a dynamic site) increases the average national base salary to $75k without any of the above factors taken into consideration.
So this can get real confusing, fast.
My advice is to visit this page: http://www.indeed.com/salary?q1=Web+Designer&l1=
But --- add in your location at minimum, also try correcting the job title and by adding keywords that best describe what you're going to actually do and use that to create a sensible range. Go towards the lower half for simple static web pages, middle if a simply using open source CMS, higher if doing back end work, database, on top of all that. Get the idea?
For comparison, do the same on your local Craig's List just to see how others are charging, but only use it (like Salary.com findings) as one source, not THE source. Just like the advice offered here as one source.
There is no perfect number, and without knowing your direct experience or tasks involved, alwats include some wiggle room in your rate to account for mistakes, but keep within the overall range as I noted above if you "need" to be competitive. The purpose of my reply is NOT to act as a numbers guide nor is it intended for DIY's or one-timers who want fast and easy money and could care less about reputation ("need"). So this is a "professional" oriented response even for novices doing their first or only gig. This is also so many more may come your way as you start your portfolio -- by doing it "right".
[source excerpt: https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/1589369/ Jim Goldbloom]
Please do not comment on this in this topic, visit the above link or start a new topic, thank you.
UPDATING POLICY / ATTN MODERATORS, IT'S OKAY TO CLOSE THIS TOPIC IF OPEN - THANK YOU
This topic is no longer maintained on a regular basis but serves as an excellent basic repository for PHP/developer novices and gurus alike who might find these links useful.
If information presented here is inaccurate or out of date please contact the moderator to update. Requests to add new content is at the discretion of the moderators.
Special thanks to moderator xUKHCx for setting this topic as sticky for us.
Last edited:
