All my web-based work starts with HTML / CSS. Even when building with a custom CMS such as WordPress or Joomla, the foundation starts with HTML / CSS. I have built numerous standalone HTML sites that always use the latest standards provided by the W3C.
HTML / CSS is the foundation for the web. With the release of HTML 5 / CSS 3, it is now possible to create dynamic sites that would have required a 3rd party software such as flash a few years ago. It is important to build a site that will be supported on the highest percentage of browsers. Some older browsers do not support the same features as the more modern ones.
Naming Is Key:
A good HTML / CSS page should have properly named classes. I pride myself on sticking to a naming system that is easy to understand and is based on the page’s elements. The more logical the naming conventions are, the more time saved when it comes to future revisions or changing pages.
Understanding the Framework / CMS Being Used.
When beginning to develop the HTML / CSS for a website build, it is important to understand the framework that is being used. This very well could determine the naming conventions used within the CSS as well as structure. A site built as an HTML / PHP site will not have the same considerations as one developed on a CMS such as WordPress.
Keeping Up with The Latest Standards:
It is important to keep up with the latest standards as provided by the W3C. The World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) is an international community that develops open standards to ensure the Web’s long-term growth. Understanding how browsers interpret HTML will ensure the best possible end-user experience on as many possible browsers. Older browsers, specifically older versions of IE, make this difficult. This is where understanding CSS “hacks” and “workarounds” come into play.
Dealing with Non-Compliant Standards:
When developing a site, it is important to understand older browsers’ limitations and what will be supported. Many of the “cool” modern effects provided by CSS 3 will not be supported in older versions of IE, such as versions 8 and 9. Communicating what platforms the website will work on is key to the end-user experience and client satisfaction. This should be defined early in the development process.
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