TOP TIPS FOR DESIGNING WEB PAGES
- Keep your naming conventions consistent. If you use lower case on one page, then do the same for others.
- Keep all files in ONE directory.
- Keep the files in that one directory EXACTLY the same as the one on your site. As you build, your pages get complicated. It can be difficult to determine what you changed or want to revise. If your first page has a different name, rename it "index.html" for the web directory, or whatever your provider considers to be your "home" page.
- Keep a copy of all files you are editing in a directory separate from the Web site upload directory. Move to the upload directory only when you are ready to upload your files to the site.
- When viewing your page-under-construction, or PIP (Page in Progress ) it is easy to use Word. Don't save it there, just view it instead of in your browser.
- To troubleshoot, try working with separate modules. As an example, if you aren't sure why a certain link isn't working try doing a copy/paste into the basic template and view just that.
- Keep "mini-templates" of tags and attributes you use often. Then just do a copy and paste and fill in the pertinent information for the current page. An example would be the Name link to go to the top of the page.
- A wonderful utility for keeping track of links, tips, etc. is "Clipmate" - shareware from Thornsoft -www.thornsoft.com
You can copy items as you come across them, such as when reading about tips or reference sites on the bulletin board for class. It keeps copied items in a list that can be sorted, printed, copied singly or in groups, to another document. You can view things in text or in HTML. You can copy graphics and web pages, as well. I like to view color codes there. I can copy the text after viewing it in HTML to check the color.
- Back up your files. Copy your code to a disk separate from the computer. You may not have room for the images unless you are using high-capacity media, but should your computer crash, it's all the hours you spent creating that need protection. Of course, once you've uploaded to a web site, you've got the perfect backup there as long as you can access it!
- Don't try to do everything at once. Work in "modules," After adding a new section, say a list - view it and check it out. If all works, then move on to the next step. If something malfunctions, you will have a much easier time determining where to look for the problem.
- Bonus tips - maintain a sense of humor! If all else fails, read the directions.