Just a quick one before hitting the sack....

 

The website I'm currently working on is my first attempt at proper coding. Therefore, no doubt, my code has bits in it that are redundant, and I've probably got 5 lines where I could have used one etc... I pasted it all into word today and there is 6 pages of it! And I'm still not done.

 

Does it matter so long as it gets the job done, or can it be an issue?

 

Would a real website designer look at my code and laugh his socks off??

I pasted it all into word today and there is 6 pages of it!

Would a real website designer look at my code and laugh his socks off??

 

Yes !!

 

DON'T DON'T use Word as it carries special functions over into html; with " and ' and some other characters. Always use Notepad, Wordpad or a dedicated text editor.

 

Always validate your code:

HTML markup http://validator.w3.org/

CSS http://jigsaw.w3.org/css-validator/

 

They will find errors and give warnings but won't comment on whether your code needs simplifying.

 

Most people who post here have fairly small files so as long as the code validates, six lines instead of one probably won't make any difference but for long and complicated files you do need to simplify code, stop duplications, etc. which helps browsers process quicker.

I'm using dreamweaver for my coding - and no shortcuts. All hand-written. I just copied and pasted it into word to see how long it was.

 

Maybe I'll post the site when it's complete for critique...if I'm brave enough.

it doesn't matter ( i don't think ) but where it's possible to simplfy code in some places do so

 

example:

 

margin-top:10px;

margin-right:5px;

margin-bottom:7px;

margin-left:2px;

 

can be changed to:

 

margin:10px 5px 7px 2px;

 

( 1st value is top 2nd value is right 3rd value is bottom 4th value is left)

 

same applies for any other properties than have directional values...

the most important think is that your html & css is valid. if it is the most is done and you can look where you can simplyfi your css ...

• You'll get better as you go along.
  
• Don't be too paranoid about what other developers/designers think.
  
• Make sure it validates.
  
• Check it in multiple browsers.