Lesson 2: Markup Language and Site Development Essentials

Objectives:
9 Discuss the history of markup languages.
9 Distinguish between HTML and XHTML.
9 Identify HTML and XHTML flavors.
9 Explain the value of universal markup.
9 Demonstrate knowledge of site management principles.
9 Plan Web site development.

History of Markup Languages

Standard Generalized Markup Language – SGML

9 SGML is a meta language used to create other languages.
9 Originally created by IBM.
9 SGML organizes the visual presentation separately from concepts.
9 SGML evolved from GML or Generalized Markup Language.
9 GML was used to view documents across platforms.
9 SGML requires you to create and define your own document language rules. This set
of rules is defined in the Document Type Definition.

Hypertext Markup Language – HTML

9 HTML was created by Tim Berners-Lee of MIT
9 HTML was created as a means to distribute hypertext (non-linear text) across the
internet.
9 HTML uses hyperlinks to connect to different documents.
9 Hyperlinks are embedded instructions within a text file that links it to another point in
that file or to another file.
9 HTML is a cross platform language. This means that it works on Windows,
Macintosh, and Unix platforms.

Markup languages
9 A markup language is not a programming language
9 Markup languages contain the data and the instructions in the same file.
9 SGML is used to define context, unlike HTML which is used to define context as
well as format the appearance of the text.
9 HTML files are plain text files that have been “marked up” using tags.
o A tag is a piece of code enclosed in an angle bracket, which tells an
HTML interpreter how to process or display the text.

Interpreters
9 An HTML interpreter is a program that processes the HTML page and renders it
according to the text and tags of the page.
9 An example of an HTML interpreter is a web browser like Internet Explorer or
Netscape Navigator.
9 HTML was initially designed for the Web, however, businesses are finding uses for
HTML documents that have very little to do with the web.
9 HTML files are small and portable. This makes the good candidates for document
exchange.

HTML 3.2 and 4.01 standards

9 HTML 3.2 is an older generation standard but it still functions today.
9 HTML 4.01 was released in December of 1999
9 HTML 4.01 allows you to create complex tables, forms, and add scripting to your
page.

HTML 4.01 Flavors

9 HTML 4.01 Transitional – formatting can be used in with in-line coding or in CSS.
This flavor also allows the use of deprecated tags.
9 HTML 4.01 Strict – all formatting must be done with the use of CSS. Deprecated tags
will cause errors in this flavor.
9 HTML 4.01 Frameset – This flavor is required if you are using frames.

Extensible Markup Language (XML)

9 XML is used to describe the data on the page and not the formatting of the page.
9 XML will enhance the structure and navigation of the information on the internet.
9 XML is still relatively new and misunderstood.
9 XML does not have tags for formatting the look and feel of a page.
9 XML gives specific meaning to the information between that tags.
o Example: <golfer> Tiger Woods </golfer>
9 Every XML document has two characteristics.
o It must be well-formed.
o It must be valid.
9 For any XML page to be well formed it must have a DTD and a root element.
o A root element is a container tag that encompasses all other elements.
9 A well-formed XML document has tree-like structure that stems from the root
element.
9 The DTD or Document Type Definition is where you define the meaning and
structure of all XML tags.
9 Most times the DTD is in a separate text file however, you can include it with in your
XML document.
9 XML does not provide formatting instructions, so you have to use CSS or XSL
(Extensible Stylesheet Language) to format the document.

Extensible Hypertext Markup Language (XHTML)

9 XHTML is the latest version of HTML

9 XHTML as defined by the W3c is “a reformulation of HTML 4 as an XML 1.0
application, and three DTDs corresponding to the ones defined by HTML 4.”
9 XHTML allows HTML to become XML-compliant. This means that it extends
HTML so that is has compatibility with XML.
9 XHTML is based specifically on the HTML 4.01 recommendation.
9 XHTML uses XML to organize data, while it uses HTML to format the page’s
appearance.

XHTML Flavors
9 XHTML Transitional – allows formatting within the document as well as using a
CSS. This flavor also allows use of deprecated tags.
9 XHTML Strict – exclusive use of CSS is required for formatting. This flavor does not
allow the use of deprecated tags.
9 XHTML Frameset – required for pages that use frames.

Markup code validation

9 The most definitive is the W3c Markup Validation service. http://validator.w3.org
o This service will allow you to either upload a page or enter a url in order
to validate the page.
9 Validating your pages will give your page a better chance of being interpreted
correctly by the majority of browsers.

Universal markup creation

9 Part of creating a web page is ensuring that it will render appropriately regardless of
the browser type.
9 This type of consistent or universal rendering is why you should follow the standards
carefully.
9 Three important reasons for following the W3C standards:
o You can be certain that your pages will render in future versions of
browsers.
o Pages will have more scalability – adding more sophisticated content,
making pages searchable, or adding content that has not been imagined.
o Pages will be more accessible to those with disabilities. This means that
your site will be available to the widest possible audience.
9 There are times when universal markup is unnecessary. An example of this is when
you are writing pages for a company’s intranet or when you know that all of the users
are using the same browser.

Web Site Development Principles

9 A web designer needs more than knowledge of markup languages and a talent for
design to contribute to a successful Web Development team. A designer also needs to
understand the business issues associated with web development.

Project management and the web development project cycle.

9 When creating a web site it is possible that you will have to work closely with
individuals and teams.
o Even though you may not be the project manager, at the very least you
will be a part of the team.
9 Communication is the key to working well within a team. It is important that the
project steps are carefully outlined and communicated.
9 Understanding of the typical web development project cycle will be helpful while you
are on a web development team.

Typical Web Development Project cycle

9 Create and document an initial web site plan
o This plan must include the purpose of the website, the definition of the
intended audience, and a rough outline of the pages needed.
9 Obtain relevant input from stakeholders
o A stakeholder is a relevant organization member or contributor who can
provide or help determine information about the website including, web
site purpose, look and feel, audience, funding, timelines.
9 Communicate the Web site plan
o When giving oral presentations use presentation aids to help you illustrate
the plan. Discussion with the web development team is also important
when communicating the web site plan. Make sure that in these meetings
introductions are made explaining their roles on the team.
9 Consider technical and non-technical concerns
o In meetings you may find that even though everyone shares the same goal,
some members may have more technical knowledge than others. In these
cases it is important that you regularly ask if anyone has questions, ask
members to summarize their understanding of decisions, and write regular
updates on the project.
9 Develop the site
o This includes creating markup code, testing functionality, getting the site
approved, and publishing the site. It is important to test the pages in
multiple browsers.
9 Publish the site
o When publishing a site you must determine the IP address and/or DNS
name of the site, the user name and authentication information, the
destination directory, space requirements, and upload protocol.
9 Manage the site
o Managing a site involves creating new content, updating dead links,
remove old sites, remove unused pages, ensure connectivity, report access
troubles, and processing feedback from customers and stakeholders.

Intellectual property
9 Intellectual property is defined as a unique product or idea created by an individual or
organization.
9 When you create a web site, you must consider legal issues related to products, ideas,
and images. You CAN NOT borrow information from other sites.
9 No copyright or trademark is permanent. Legal registrations on this type of material
must be renewed.

Ethical issues concerning copyright, trademark, and plagiarism

9 Ethics is the study of making proper choices to ensure that other people’s rights are
not violated.
9 You must have explicit permission before you can use someone else’s work.
9 You can not provide a link from your web site to another site without permission.
9 You can not translate the content of another site without explicit permission.

Avoiding copyright infringement, trademark infringement and plagiarism

9 It is important that you avoid even appearing as if you have stolen information. Ways
to avoid this include:
o Reviewing all web site content for originality
o Conducting regular content reviews
o Obtaining express, written consent for any material you use

Outsourcing
9 An increased trend in web development is to outsource to workers in remote
locations.
9 When working with remote teams or other companies it is important to consider the
following:
o A Non-Disclosure Agreement – a legal contract signed by both parties
stating that neither party will reveal any trade secrets or intellectual
property owned by the other.
o Legal consultation – when signing an NDA or other documents it is
necessary to have legal counsel. This will help ensure that you will not
make commitments that you can not fulfill.