Creating Web Pages

1. Introduction
2. Learning HTML
3. Web Editors
4. Scanning Images

Introduction

Web pages are written in a computer language called HTML (HyperText Mark-up Language). You don't need to know HTML to create a web page, as there are several web editors that will write the computer code for you. Knowing HTML gives you more precise control over your web pages, but it is not necessary.

Learning HTML

If you wish to learn HTML, there are a number of resources available, both at Cornell and online. Visit the Olin & Uris Libraries Workshop Series for more information about classroom and web-based classes at Cornell, and the HTML section of the CU Web Knowledgebase.

Web Editors

There are a variety of web editors with which to write web pages. Some are free or shareware, and others are more expensive, but can still be downloaded for trial purposes before purchasing. Trial software can be downloaded from sites that offer reviews and recommendations, such as http://www.tucows.com/downloads/Windows/DevelopmentWebAuthoring/HTMLEditors/

Web editors can be divided into three categories:

1. HTML Editors: These tools help make it easier to write HTML code by making it quicker and easier to insert HTML coding and by color coding the computer code to distinguish it from the surrounding text. HTML editors are commonly cheaper than full-fledged web editors, and will often run on older computers, but they require you to have some knowledge of the HTML coding language.
2. WYSIWYG Editors: WYSIWYG stands for "What You See Is What You Get." These editors typically do not require knowledge of HTML, as they automatically generate the code for the web pages you create.
3. Advanced Web Editors & Site Management Tools: These tools typically offer advanced options for web design (such as enhanced Java, JavaScript and Plug-in management) as well as site-management tools for multi-page websites. These tools offer functionality beyond the needs of most users. An example popular at Cornell is:
   • Macromedia Dreamweaver (Trial Version Available)

Scanning Images

If you want your Web pages to contain images, you need to scan them in or have someone put them onto a photo CD for you. Here's a list of some local resources:

• Academic Technology Center (photograph and slide scanners for Web pages related to instructional purposes).
• CIT public computing labs (some photograph scanners).
• Non-CIT computer labs, such as Mann Library's, also have scanners that may be available for public use.
• Other media businesses in Ithaca may have self-service equipment that you can use to do this yourself.