Writing on the Web

A look at Hypertext Markup Language (HTML)

 

Hypertext Markup Language. HTML. Sounds complicated, doesn't it? It's actually quite simple and logical - for a computer language, that is.

So what is it, then? The name pretty much says it all:

Hyper: Over; above; in chemistry, denotes the highest in a series of compounds.
Of all the computer languages, the simple HTML is closest to the "real" language humans speak and the farthest from the machine language that computers understand. In a sense, it is the highest, or most developed toward human language, in the series of computer languages.
Text: Written or printed words.
Unlike many other programming languages, HTML is based upon common words and simple abbreviations.
Markup: To make marks on; to trace the boundaries of; set limits on; to make known or clear; display; to produce by drawing, writing, etc.
That is a good description of the intent of the language.
Language: The words used in communication among members of a single nation or group at a given period; the vocabulary used in a specific business, science, etc.
When you consider that the goal of an HTML porgrammer is to allow a specific scientific group, namely computers, to communicate with each other, this definition of the word fits.

 

Hypertext Markup Language, or HTML, could be said to be the highest form of computer programming, using common words to describe the command functions that display or reproduce the printed word and/or simple images in a manner that is understood by all members of the Internet group of computers.

Now that we understand what HTML is, what do we need to do it?

The first thing you need, other than a computer, is a prgram that understands HTML. There are several on the market, PageMill, Frontpage, Dreamweaver, etc., if you feel you have to go to the expense, but the 'composer' section of your browser works just as well for most pages.

These programs, or editors, as they are called, all work on the same principals as your word processing program. You can change the appearance of your text, add images and manipulate the positioning of your text and images.

Why, you ask, do I need to know HTML? The truth is, to create a web page these days, you don't need to know HTML.

There has been, in recent years, a dramatic increase in the number of discussion forums and message boards. Many members of these groups wish to set themselves a bit apart from the other members. A 'signature' is desired, to set one person apart from another, by using images and text of a different colour or appearance (font). In a way, we have returned to the "Days of Chivalry" by using a form of heraldic device to identify ourselves.

For example, on the Delphi forums, I am more that just "VE5CAP" or "Pegasus". I am also the "Lady Who Keeps Frogs in Her Apron Pocket". Which is easier and faster to recognize? This?

Pegasus(VE5CAP)

Or this?

 

See what I mean? And it's all done with HTML.

So, how did I get that apron to appear?

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