Ok, so i can make relativly nice sites and do basically everything i want using css and html. So if im serious about web design where do i go next. To be honest it was something i was looking to get into, but i just had a look at w3 schools and there is so much to learn that its put me off a bit to be honest.

 

Asp

PHP

AJAX

VBS

javascript etc

 

i make small websites just with hover list effects etc and images to make it look good. I need to know which is my way forward. Also i need a basic project to do with the new language. I think my best chance of learning is if i am working on a project, and need to use that language a little bit in that project.

 

Can you suggest a language and what i could do with it. Obviously i dont want anything to complex or ill just get frustrated and stop.

I'd suggest PHP and MySQL (for the database).

 

You can make your websites dynamic and easier to update by storing the information in a database (MySQL), modifying it and why not ... deleting it.

I'm on the same learning curve as you, and I've just started learning PHP and MYSQL.

 

As I understand it, there is not much PHP and MYSQL cannot do with regards to dynamic interactive web content (short of flash type stuff).

 

You'll need to download a program called WAMP (for windows), or LAMP (for linux). This package contains all the programs you'll need to run a PHP / SQL (database) server on your local machine for testing and learning purposes.

 

A program like Adobe Dreamweaver can also help, but is not entirely necessary.

 

Good luck!

Jarrad

Make sure that the css and html that you do code firstly validates and secondly is semantic and tidy....so that you are doing what you need to do with no pointless divs. Not saying you don't already do this, this is just a note in case you don't

 

But JavaScript is a nice addition to add to that, as it will help you add some flavour to your site when used right and the site can still work with out it

 

Or as has already been said Php is another nice addition to the craft

I'm on the same learning curve as you, and I've just started learning PHP and MYSQL.

 

As I understand it, there is not much PHP and MYSQL cannot do with regards to dynamic interactive web content (short of flash type stuff).

 

You'll need to download a program called WAMP (for windows), or LAMP (for linux). This package contains all the programs you'll need to run a PHP / SQL (database) server on your local machine for testing and learning purposes.

 

A program like Adobe Dreamweaver can also help, but is not entirely necessary.

 

Good luck!

Jarrad

 

Actually PHP has a library that uses Flash to create charts and graphs, some coder on a forum I used to be on managed to make a game from it though. The guy had some serious skills though, he created loads of hacks for online games back in the day and coded for the military at one point I think.

 

Just saying it can be done, also I use XAMPP which works quite nicely, no idea what the difference between WAMP and XAMPP are though.

 

Edit: @the op. Go for PHP/mySQL, it's the most useful to begin with and it's more useful on a whole to be honest. JavaScript can't really do anything amazingly special otherwise people without JS would be stuck. Whereas PHP runs in the server so everybody can take advantage of it.

Hey thanks, i already have mysql and php set up in my ubuntu machine. So i guess thats the best thing to use. Its just that i was reading w3 schools and they seem to be more in favour of asp and ajax seems to be the next big thing??

 

I do have a slight worry with php regarding safety though, i created a database, but to connect to the mysql database in php you need to use the root password. Isnt it dangerous having a webpage with the root password hardcoded into it? How can you get around this? Or can people not see the password in php files?

If I was in your shoes I would go on to learn the following(in order)

 

1. PHP & MYSQL

 

2. JavaScript