Essay title: 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 Isnt 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 havent 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