Once you have your HTML document on the floppy disc or your hard drive, you'll need to open it up in the browser. It's easy enough. Since you're using a browser to look at this Primer, follow along.
1. Under the FILE menu at the very top left of this screen, you'll find OPEN, OPEN FILE, OPEN DOCUMENT, or words to that effect.
2. Click on it. Some browsers give you the dialogue box that allows you to find your document right away. Internet Explorer, and later versions of Netscape Navigator, require you to click on a BROWSE button or OPEN FILE button to get the dialogue box. When the dialogue box opens up, switch to the A:\ drive (or the floppy disc for MAC users) and open your document. If you saved the file to your hard drive, get it from there.
3. You might have to then click an OK button. The browser will do the rest.
You easily have enough to keep you occupied for the first day. Don't worry, the Primers get less wordy after this.
If you are going to start writing HTML, I suggest you make a point of learning to look at other authors' HTML pages. You say you're already doing that, right? Maybe. What I mean is for you to look at the HTML document a person wrote to present the page you are looking at. Don't look at the pretty page, look behind it at the HTML document.
Why Would I Do That?
Because you can... but seriously, folks. Let's say you run into a page that has a really neat layout, or a fancy text pattern, or a strange grouping of pictures. You'd like to know how to do it.
Well, look, I'm not telling you to steal anything, but let's be honest, if you see some landscaping you like, you're going to use the idea. If you see a room layout you like, you will use the idea to help yourself. That's the point of looking at another page's HTML document. I think it's also the best way to learn HTML. In fact, I am self-taught in HTML simply by looking at others' documents. It was the long way around, believe me. You're going to have a much easier time of it with these Primers.
Here's how you look at an HTML document (known as the "source code"):
1. When you find a page you like, click on VIEW at the top of the screen.
2. Choose DOCUMENT SOURCE from the menu. Sometimes it only reads SOURCE.
3. The HTML document will appear on the screen.
4. Go ahead. Try it with this page. Click on VIEW and then choose the SOURCE.
It's going to look like chicken-scratch right now, but by the end of the week, it'll be readable and you'll be able to find exactly how a certain HTML presentation was performed.
It's A Little Different On AOL
Those of you who use AOL can also see the source. You can do it by placing your pointer on the page, off of an image, and clicking the right mouse button. MAC users should click and hold. A small menu should pop up. One of the items will allow you the ability to view the source.
That's the Primer for today. Print it out if you'd like and get ready to delve in and write your first HTML document. See you tomorrow.
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