Html

Getting Started

Terms to Know

WWW World Wide Web

Web World Wide Web

SGML Standard Generalized Markup Language--a standard for describing markup languages

DTD Document Type Definition--this is the formal specification of a markup language, written using SGML

HTML HyperText Markup Language--HTML is an SGML DTD

In practical terms, HTML is a collection of platform-independent styles (indicated by markup tags) that

define the various components of a World Wide Web document. HTML was invented by Tim

Berners-Lee while at CERN, the European Laboratory for Particle Physics in Geneva.

What Isn't Covered

This primer assumes that you:

know how to use NCSA Mosaic or some other Web browser

have a general understanding of how Web servers and client browsers work

have access to a Web server (or that you want to produce HTML documents for personal use in

local-viewing mode)

HTML Version

This guide reflects the most current specification--HTML Version 2.0-- plus some additional features that have

been widely and consistently implemented in browsers. Future versions and new features for HTML are under

development.

HTML Documents

What an HTML Document Is

HTML documents are plain-text (also known as ASCII) files that can be created using any text editor (e.g.,

Emacs or vi on UNIX machines; BBEdit on a Macintosh; Notepad on a Windows machine). You can also useword-processing software if you remember to save your document as "text only with line breaks."

HTML Editors

Some WYSIWYG editors are available (e.g., HotMetal, which is available for several platforms or Adobe

PageMill for Macintoshes). You may wish to try one of them after you learn some of the basics of HTML

tagging. It is useful to know enough HTML to code a document before you determine the usefulness of a

WYSIWYG editor.

If you haven't already selected your software, refer to an online listing of HTML editors (organized by

platform) to help you in your search for appropriate software.

Getting Your Files on a Server

If you have access to a Web server at school or work, contact your webmaster (the individual who maintains

the server) to see how you can get your files on the Web. If you do not have access to a server at work or

school, check to see if your community operates a FreeNet, a community-based network that provides free

access to the Internet. Lacking a FreeNet, you may need to contact a local Internet provider that will post your

files on a server for a fee. (Check your local newspaper for advertisements or with your