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Head First Series
Head First Html With CSS & XHTML
Head First HTML with CSS & XHTML [Paperback]Elisabeth Freeman (Author) Eric T Freeman (Author)
702 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2005
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 143 reviews
October 18, 2019
Really enjoyed it, it was surrpisingly easy to read. Explained all the rules and pricniples well. I was thinking about our production code all the time while reading it.
June 11, 2011
The best introductory book on HTML and CSS I’ve read so far. It focuses on (X)HTML and CSS, with a short chapter on graphics and barely a mention of scripting or other web topics. So it’s not as broad as Learning Web Design: A Beginner's Guide to HTML CSS Graphics and Beyond, but it covers things in much more depth, and I understood and retained more from this book. I credit the informal writing, cheesy pictures, “handwritten” explanatory notes, reader question sections, repetition, and visuals.
The book is from late 2005 and somewhat dated, but the basics of HTML and CSS presented here are essentially the same as today. The explanations of floating and positioning, which can be confusing, are very clear and understandable.
I flipped through several chapters before I encountered unknown material and had to slow down, so apparently I’ve actually learned something from my recent self-training in HTML and CSS!
Font sizes
Specify the body font size with a keyword (such as small or medium), then specify all other font sizes as ems or percentages.
Floating and positioning
The HTML for floated elements must be directly below the element you want them to float below. With absolute positioning, the order of the HTML doesn’t matter.
The top and bottom adjacent margins of block elements collapse to the size of the larger margin.
Floated elements are removed from normal flow and placed to the left or right.
Block elements ignore floated elements, but the inline elements flow around them.
Absolutely positioned elements are positioned relative to their containing element (the sides of the page, if not nested). They can be layered using a z-index.
Fixed position elements are positioned relative to the browser window and don’t move when the page is scrolled.
Relatively positioned elements are flowed into the page, then offset to leave the space they would have occupied empty.
The book is from late 2005 and somewhat dated, but the basics of HTML and CSS presented here are essentially the same as today. The explanations of floating and positioning, which can be confusing, are very clear and understandable.
I flipped through several chapters before I encountered unknown material and had to slow down, so apparently I’ve actually learned something from my recent self-training in HTML and CSS!
Font sizes
Specify the body font size with a keyword (such as small or medium), then specify all other font sizes as ems or percentages.
Floating and positioning
The HTML for floated elements must be directly below the element you want them to float below. With absolute positioning, the order of the HTML doesn’t matter.
The top and bottom adjacent margins of block elements collapse to the size of the larger margin.
Floated elements are removed from normal flow and placed to the left or right.
Block elements ignore floated elements, but the inline elements flow around them.
Absolutely positioned elements are positioned relative to their containing element (the sides of the page, if not nested). They can be layered using a z-index.
Fixed position elements are positioned relative to the browser window and don’t move when the page is scrolled.
Relatively positioned elements are flowed into the page, then offset to leave the space they would have occupied empty.
November 21, 2010
This was assigned as a textbook for Web Development I, and it basically taught the class by itself.
A hefty tome, this book intimidated me up until I opened it and found the illustrated explanation of its mission, to help readers trick their brains into thinking CSS is "as important as a tiger." It does a great job, too - with conversational language, straightforward explanations, and lots and lots of pictures, examples, and exercises, this book taught me oodles of new things about HTML and CSS. I'd recommend it to anyone who's just starting or, like me, comes to the field with some extremely rudimentary HTML skills.
Also, did I mention it's hilarious? Just plain fun to read.
It looks like the series does similar books not only for other web concepts (I'm browsing the JavaScript one now), but for math. I bet they'd be great for struggling students!
A hefty tome, this book intimidated me up until I opened it and found the illustrated explanation of its mission, to help readers trick their brains into thinking CSS is "as important as a tiger." It does a great job, too - with conversational language, straightforward explanations, and lots and lots of pictures, examples, and exercises, this book taught me oodles of new things about HTML and CSS. I'd recommend it to anyone who's just starting or, like me, comes to the field with some extremely rudimentary HTML skills.
Also, did I mention it's hilarious? Just plain fun to read.
It looks like the series does similar books not only for other web concepts (I'm browsing the JavaScript one now), but for math. I bet they'd be great for struggling students!
February 13, 2021
Absolutely perfect for anyone looking to begin their coding journey.
This interactive guidebook is quirky and pretty hilarious. It’s a fun way to learn something kind of tedious. These guys don’t take themselves seriously at all, which makes it incredibly easy to follow and learn.
Great stuff.
This interactive guidebook is quirky and pretty hilarious. It’s a fun way to learn something kind of tedious. These guys don’t take themselves seriously at all, which makes it incredibly easy to follow and learn.
Great stuff.
June 15, 2019
I've actually bought several from this series, after reading this book. I keep it right there on my bookshelf and have actually read it twice. I found their tutorials to be particularly useful.
August 15, 2009
I bought this book after many failed attempts at building my website with paid and free builders that are offered online. It came down to me needing to have my website up and running at the end of 14 days. I got through this book in five and build my website by hand coding in split view within dreamweaver. Met my deadline and was very happy with the result. By the way I had no prior experience coding at all before this book. Absolutely fantastic. I have since gone on to other books in the Head First Series and they are all on par with this one.
October 30, 2012
مليان لامبات وانفجارات كونية
كتاب حللللللللللللو ودمه خفيف ومناسب جداااااا للناس اللي تبي تتعلم تصميم المواقع من البداية وخطوة بخطوة
^_^
كتاب حللللللللللللو ودمه خفيف ومناسب جداااااا للناس اللي تبي تتعلم تصميم المواقع من البداية وخطوة بخطوة
^_^
June 6, 2020
It is a really good book for web development beginners. However, I would recommend going to a book which has explained HTML5 (the most recent one).
April 12, 2018
Nội dụng quyển sách nói về hai ngôn ngữ là HTML và CSS. Hai ngôn ngữ này được sử dụng để lập trình website. Sách viết một cách cụ thể và chi tiết các vấn đề cơ bản. Rất thích hợp với những người mới làm quen với lập trình website, chưa có khái niệm gì. Bên cạnh chữ, còn có hình ảnh, ví dụ đơn giản để bạn có thể hình dung và làm theo rất sinh động.
Recommend cho các bạn mới bắt đầu, hoặc các bạn đã có kiến thức về HTML và CSS, tuy nhiên bạn muốn tìm kiếm một nguồn thông tin nên tảng và cơ bản. Với các bạn ở trường hợp thứ 2, bạn có thể đọc lướt mục lục và phần Bullet Point cuối chương rồi tìm các kiến thức còn yếu và đọc thêm, không recommend bạn follow hết sách vì sẽ rất cơ bản và chậm.
Recommend cho các bạn mới bắt đầu, hoặc các bạn đã có kiến thức về HTML và CSS, tuy nhiên bạn muốn tìm kiếm một nguồn thông tin nên tảng và cơ bản. Với các bạn ở trường hợp thứ 2, bạn có thể đọc lướt mục lục và phần Bullet Point cuối chương rồi tìm các kiến thức còn yếu và đọc thêm, không recommend bạn follow hết sách vì sẽ rất cơ bản và chậm.
June 7, 2020
Good afternoon, beginner web-developer.
This book will open the door for web development for you, the material is presented as accessible as possible for a beginner, everything is as it should be kosher. Along with this book I read a couple of others in general, earth and sky. I like the whole series of Head first + can be downloaded, but not even you need additional material on the textbook on the official website. There, of course, a little crutches, but you can figure it out. Bottom line: I recommend it to everyone.
This book will open the door for web development for you, the material is presented as accessible as possible for a beginner, everything is as it should be kosher. Along with this book I read a couple of others in general, earth and sky. I like the whole series of Head first + can be downloaded, but not even you need additional material on the textbook on the official website. There, of course, a little crutches, but you can figure it out. Bottom line: I recommend it to everyone.
June 17, 2018
This was a great book. Although I knew a bunch of html and css, I'd never learned it in a systematic way. This book does an excellent job at that. Perhaps too long if you've already got some experience but the reinforcement is beneficial.
January 28, 2019
This was a really good introductory text, covering the fundamentals of HTML and CSS. It’s short of cheesy but also very accessible and easy to follow. It actually made me feel like I could build a website. Definitely recommend!
May 23, 2020
I try to stay away from the series as they use way too many cartoons, pictures, and other noisy distractions. They claim that readers benefit from that sort of exposure to multiple media, but it is actually the opposite. Pages look like those annoying websites with ad banners.
August 3, 2018
One of the best books for dummies. From nowhere near a novice to actual writing and creating a webpage.
April 25, 2020
Good to read
June 16, 2020
Bit outdated but really thorough explanations on HTML and CSS positioning and layout. Strongly recommend for beginners.
February 6, 2021
decent
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
March 21, 2021Отличная книга для старта изучения html и css
Read
December 12, 2021good
May 10, 2022
This was a fun read.
Admittedly, I already know a lot of this book's contents, but I still learned a few things here-and-there, or reiterated prior knowledge.
4.2/5
Admittedly, I already know a lot of this book's contents, but I still learned a few things here-and-there, or reiterated prior knowledge.
4.2/5
April 4, 2023
Good book on how to write standard web pages, and design them.
May 28, 2024
Bit outdated but really thorough explanations on HTML and CSS positioning and layout. Strongly recommend for beginners.
Read
August 24, 2024good book, i create my website after read it
https://ionnelli.me
https://ionnelli.me
December 13, 2010
This member of the Head First series teaches in an engaging way with every lesson providing the context and the why, not only what and how, of using HTML and CSS.
I have written web pages before, and even worked through some on-line tutorials. But having some colleagues gently remind me that my web page needed to be updated and filled out provides an opportunity to learn how to do this right.
Head First HTML with CSS & XHTML does a better job then others. The style of teaching lends itself very well. Three case studies (even if contrived) weave their way throughout the book. And having three case studies allow every new concept to be introduced in a usable context. Each chapter had several different kinds of exercises. For all of us who learn in different ways.
I appreciated many sections where they take a break from teaching to explain why certain features of XHTML and CSS were the way they were. So you are not only learning a lot of syntax, but you are also learning why HTML and CSS are the way they are, and how to use them as tools as a coherent whole. Making it easier to remember and retain what they are teaching (almost like learning from first principles in addition to the tutorial they are giving).
Head First HTML with CSS & XHTML at OReilly.com
I have written web pages before, and even worked through some on-line tutorials. But having some colleagues gently remind me that my web page needed to be updated and filled out provides an opportunity to learn how to do this right.
Head First HTML with CSS & XHTML does a better job then others. The style of teaching lends itself very well. Three case studies (even if contrived) weave their way throughout the book. And having three case studies allow every new concept to be introduced in a usable context. Each chapter had several different kinds of exercises. For all of us who learn in different ways.
I appreciated many sections where they take a break from teaching to explain why certain features of XHTML and CSS were the way they were. So you are not only learning a lot of syntax, but you are also learning why HTML and CSS are the way they are, and how to use them as tools as a coherent whole. Making it easier to remember and retain what they are teaching (almost like learning from first principles in addition to the tutorial they are giving).
Head First HTML with CSS & XHTML at OReilly.com
May 16, 2007
I actually brought this book on the train with me for pleasure-reading while I was commuting. I found this book on the shelf in the library while looking for a book on PHP, and something about the look of its spine had me pull it down and browse through it. I wasn't sure about the layout of the book at first (it's full of pictures, asides, and "handwritten" notes), but it seemed interesting enough that I thought I'd take it home with me and look through it. Now, I consider myself pretty well versed in HTML basics, but I knew I could use some brushing up, and my CSS skills are pretty weak, so I started in on it. The first half of the book was all review, but it was such an engaging review that I actually read through it all. The second half of the book started touching on things I didn't know or was shaky on, and I felt like it explained things very well. I actually ended up buying myself a copy of the book to keep as a reference manual, becuase I felt like it had excellent breadth and does a really good job of guiding someone from absolute beginner to standards- and accessibility-savvy on a number of different topics. If you consider yourself beginner to intermediate in creating web pages, and especially if you get bored with the standard way computer manuals and reference books are written, this is a good book to look at. It's published by O'Reilly, which I didn't realize at first, but it really is a serious and smart book dressed up in flashier clothing.
July 8, 2010
HEAD FIRST = FUNTIMES. Highly enjoyable introduction to HTML/CSS plus the basics of image editing. Still highly enjoyable even if you already know a lot of HTML/CSS. It teaches you the basics, the reasons why we follow standards and it makes you think and do -- a lot.
This is the ultimate newbie book. Although it needs a little update: HTML 5 is almost a reality + it needs to clear up the unfortunate naming (e.g. XHTML). Apart from a few things that needs to be cleared up, this book is heaven sent. If only there was a HeadFirst Intermediate Algebra when I was younger...
ETA:
If you're an experienced programmer, the chapters quickly become painful and tedious though I am reminded by the little gems of knowledge - why some of the things are done a certain way and the different ways of tackling a certain problem.
The last chapter is surprisingly dedicated to forms that are passed to a .php process. Bare PHP stuff, no programming. Well, onto the PHP/mysql Head First book or not. :D
I still maintain it's an excellent book for beginners and the young ones who HATE books. If you desire a little less hand holding when you review or start out, try to check out other books.
This is the ultimate newbie book. Although it needs a little update: HTML 5 is almost a reality + it needs to clear up the unfortunate naming (e.g. XHTML). Apart from a few things that needs to be cleared up, this book is heaven sent. If only there was a HeadFirst Intermediate Algebra when I was younger...
ETA:
If you're an experienced programmer, the chapters quickly become painful and tedious though I am reminded by the little gems of knowledge - why some of the things are done a certain way and the different ways of tackling a certain problem.
The last chapter is surprisingly dedicated to forms that are passed to a .php process. Bare PHP stuff, no programming. Well, onto the PHP/mysql Head First book or not. :D
I still maintain it's an excellent book for beginners and the young ones who HATE books. If you desire a little less hand holding when you review or start out, try to check out other books.
June 15, 2011
Wanting to learn CSS I pulled down several books at the bookstore and began thumbing through them. Later I took a look online at reviews and thought to give it a try. Initially I was put off by the rigamarole that the Head First team goes through to explain their philosophy of pounding the material into your head.
But it is good. Humor, with some real world examples and repetition do seem to work here. The only thing lacking is that the book should have a reference instead of telling you to buy another book so you could have a dictionary of the terms they have now struggled so diligently to teach you.
Another detraction is the 45 days online free. Once you buy it, find someway to make that always free online. Make the user stronger and the relationship between purchaser/student and author/teacher better. Build on it, and find someway to make those tests in the book interactive on the web. A good resource and entertaining as well.
But it is good. Humor, with some real world examples and repetition do seem to work here. The only thing lacking is that the book should have a reference instead of telling you to buy another book so you could have a dictionary of the terms they have now struggled so diligently to teach you.
Another detraction is the 45 days online free. Once you buy it, find someway to make that always free online. Make the user stronger and the relationship between purchaser/student and author/teacher better. Build on it, and find someway to make those tests in the book interactive on the web. A good resource and entertaining as well.
December 24, 2013
Did the job for me. Great book for beginners. One thing to note is that, as IT books tend to be, it will be outdated rather soon. The book makes the statement (at least in the edition I bought, though I suspect more recent prints may have redacted) that (not verbatim) "It will all be XHTML from now on, there will be no HTML5". In fact, HTML5 will be the new standard that makes everything in this book obsolete over the next few years, and every web browser except Internet Explorer has already implemented it (IE is always at the tail end of the procession. My advice; use Chrome or Firefox).
Making such predictions in such a fast moving field of technology nearly always turns out to be a bad idea. But what is in this book should continue to be perfectly functional for a good few years as they maintain backwards compatibility (famous last words), and it is an excellent introduction to anyone just interested in how the internet works, and in gaining practical skills and knowledge in IT.
Making such predictions in such a fast moving field of technology nearly always turns out to be a bad idea. But what is in this book should continue to be perfectly functional for a good few years as they maintain backwards compatibility (famous last words), and it is an excellent introduction to anyone just interested in how the internet works, and in gaining practical skills and knowledge in IT.
August 30, 2009
Pro: Excellent use of learning styles, good reasoning behind instructions.
Con: The same material could have been presented in about 1/3 less pages.
I will use this as a course outline for teaching XHTML with CSS. There is no better book than this for beginners to coding for the web.
This is an update to my review above:
I am currently using this book as a lesson book for Grade 12 students for the second time. The authors understand how people learn and apply it to this book. I cannot imagine a better book for learning the basics of XHTML and CSS.
Has this book fallen apart for you? The publishers seem to have used a non binding glue. No matter, it is easier now to use as separate pages.
If there are any educators out there, I am happy to share some insights on how to use this book as a lesson outline, with exercises and activities.
Con: The same material could have been presented in about 1/3 less pages.
I will use this as a course outline for teaching XHTML with CSS. There is no better book than this for beginners to coding for the web.
This is an update to my review above:
I am currently using this book as a lesson book for Grade 12 students for the second time. The authors understand how people learn and apply it to this book. I cannot imagine a better book for learning the basics of XHTML and CSS.
Has this book fallen apart for you? The publishers seem to have used a non binding glue. No matter, it is easier now to use as separate pages.
If there are any educators out there, I am happy to share some insights on how to use this book as a lesson outline, with exercises and activities.
March 19, 2007
This is an excellent book for anyone looking to learn HTML, XHTML, and CSS. Even if you already know the basics of HTML it's a great book to refresh yourself.
In this book you cover the basics of HTML, XHTML, and CSS. You'll learn how to correctly create the form of your page with XHTML and correctly design your page with CSS. After you're done reading it you'll definitely be prepared to create your own website and read more books on more advanced techniques.
The Head First series is great because it's written in a way that makes your brain pay attention. It makes the task seem less daunting by presenting the information in different ways that we all can understand. They have pictures and puzzles to keep you thinking. If only every school book were written like this!
In this book you cover the basics of HTML, XHTML, and CSS. You'll learn how to correctly create the form of your page with XHTML and correctly design your page with CSS. After you're done reading it you'll definitely be prepared to create your own website and read more books on more advanced techniques.
The Head First series is great because it's written in a way that makes your brain pay attention. It makes the task seem less daunting by presenting the information in different ways that we all can understand. They have pictures and puzzles to keep you thinking. If only every school book were written like this!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 143 reviews