I need some opinions from people who know more about this.
First I'm mostly a design/image guy. I've written some pretty complex Java but that's NOT what I'm good at. Never really gotten over the object oriented hump. I've written some javascript and have a little experience with JSP and Struts.
I've been learning CSS which is too cool. That prompted me to look into XHTML, XML and XSL etc.
1) I can kind of understand where you'd use XML. That seems pretty obvious sort of a quick and dirty database type thing, but can you give me some real world examples where you used it?
2) XSL doesn't seem to work very well on Mac or Linux computers, at least the examples I've seen at http://www.w3schools.com. Some of his examples don't work because he's mixed up the case, otherwise the site helped me very much. I wanted to confirm whether XSL is working on system/browsers other than Microsoft OS/browsers.
3) I eventually want to get into some sever side stuff. Hopefully nothing too complicated. Maybe some online store selling stuff. Can anyone kind of give me some advice? I'm definately Mac/Cross platform oriented. And Flash is also an option here. PHP etc?
I know this is an open ended question but I don't know anywhere else to get this kind of general advice.
Thanks so much.
Busy posted this at 22:00 — 30th December 2003.
He has: 6,157 posts
Joined: May 2001
Depends what you want to do with it, XML and XSL aren't really needed for everyday sites, even e-commerce it can be a nightmare and overkill.
Even just sticking to CSS and XHTML (start off as trans and work to strict later) will get you ahead leaps and bounds.
Then move onto server side, I'm biased so will say PHP/MySql as it's pretty easy to learn and use (except when you run into big problems lol) but again it depends on what you want to do with it.
Learning XHTML first will help learning server side as its case sensitive in most cases and dotting your i's and crossing your t's helps
Remember the old saying, just because you can doesnt mean you should.
keep everything in reality
<?bhb if(broken){ echo("It wasn't me
"); } ?>
Learn HTML the ez way - EzHTML.net
Some people are like slinkies, they dont really serve any purpose but they still bring a smile to your face when you push them down the stairs ...
cordedpoodle posted this at 22:07 — 30th December 2003.
They have: 160 posts
Joined: Mar 2002
thanks, I think I am gravitating to almost exactly where you are. Love CSS. XHTML easy and sensible. My next site will be transitional.
PHP/MySQL seems to be the ticket as it's X platform and free.
Seems to me that XML would be useful with Flash perhaps?
XSL isn't quite ready for prime time.
Maybe what I need are:
1) What are the strenghths and weaknesses of each technology?
2) A specific site that teaches one how to set up a site with commerce.
Thanks. I'm monitoring in rapt anticipation.
cordedpoodle@hotmail.com
http://www.alogical.com
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openmind posted this at 22:42 — 30th December 2003.
He has: 945 posts
Joined: Aug 2001
Amazon offer a very cool service where you can display their entire stock catalogue, and I mean everything, through XML. Check it out here: http://www.amazon.com/gp/browse.html/103-5829029-8012635?node=3435361