One of the Complete Idiot's Guide series of technical books, this 414-page book is an easy-to-understand introduction to techniques and considerations that you should know before creating a web page. Although these Complete Idiots books all have titles that imply that they are for "idiots," of course the task of creating web pages is not one your average idiot is likely to undertake. But this book is for the relatively inexperienced: its twenty-five chapters (in six parts) do a good job of introducing web design in a systematic, step-by-step manner. It also includes a CD-ROM with style sheets, an HTML tag reference, and a guide to using "safe" color in web pages. The CD-ROM also includes a variety of third-party programs and demos useful in the creation of web pages.
The strength of this book is in its friendly approach, using simple language to systematically introduce each new topic. It begins with a brief HTML web page primer and then assumes you are following along. It describes the basic structure of a web page, introducing text management and graphics, and then step-by-step, shows you how to add additional, more complicated, features.
But don't be fooled by the book's slow, careful approach to web page building; it also includes some advanced information. For example, there is a section describing how to create image maps, one on frames, and a short section on creating META tags to make search engines notice your site. It even has some tips on handling browsers that don't like frames (using the NOFRAMES tag). And it also provides some timely warnings, such as tips on dealing with UNIX servers.
For most web builders, the section on creating tables will be useful (you can't get too much information on handling table elements). This book starts with a simple one-element table and then, using that as a foundation, describes how to add rows, columns, and other features. The book also includes handy tips, such as its advise to temporarily turn on table borders while you design your table. These tips demonstrate the author's experience - and his awareness of a beginner's problems.
There is, of course, a section on graphics and on animated GIFs and even one on creating forms. And Chapters 16 and 17 provide an introduction to using JavaScripts. These chapters include many useful JavaScript examples.
In summary, this book is, despite its title, a very useful text on web development for just about anyone. Its approach is careful and systematic and its examples are easy to understand. Nevertheless, the book also weaves in some relatively advanced information that would be helpful even for experienced web builders.
