Learning CSS
We have a great thread in our community forums right now that is a discussion about CSS, and whether or not to use it, how hard is it, can it replace tables, and so forth. I completely understand the difficulting that people have when they have reached the point of not being able to deny CSS anymore. I mean, you go nuts trying to learn HTML, and to figure out how to translate a cool photoshop layout into a website, and then someone tells you that you need to learn something else.
Here is the reason for that. The simple HTML that most of us learn when starting out is a quick means to an end. Most beginner designers don't even know what search engine optimization is, much less how to design for it. And why should they? However, it is important to anyone out there that is learning web development to understand that when you are learning HTML you are basically learning a vocabulary and a way of thinking. Once you have the "vocabulary" you then possess the tools to begin learning the real art of web development. After all, any high school kid can make a website from a photoshop document (nothing personal against high school kids, some of the most talented developer's I have met were in high school). In fact, most towns have two or three web design outfits in them that do that kind of design.
However, to stay competitive and to provide great sites, you will need to learn how CSS and XHTML interact. You will have to focus on separating the content from the layout, and believe me when I say that a whole new world of possibilities will be at your fingertips. Take the old issue of whether or not to design for 800 x 600 px monitors or for larger monitors. Who cares? With CSS you can take the same XHTML document (the content) and have it display one way if a larger monitor is detected or another way if a smaller monitor is detected. Using a little JavaScript to change the CSS stylesheet is all that is needed. Or your users can decided that they want to make the text larger on your site, since they can't see it well. A simple button that changes the stylesheet will acccomplish that as well.
These are simple examples of course. I think that someday when I have more time (we have some really important and exciting, but BIG projects going on at the moment) we will try and get some good beginner tutorials up about CSS. It does require a bit of a head change with regards to viewing layout. In the meantime, thanks to everyone participating in our community forums!
