Teaching HTML and CSS [#4]
Before leading you into more boring syntax, I would like to discuss what you should be using to create this stuff anyway. Obviously, you are using a computer of some sort. I have become fond of PC’s although I have extensive experience with a Macintosh and find them to be most appealing. Although, creating websites doesn’t require any particular type of machine, nor does it require any particular hardware.
To be good, you should write in Notepad or a simple writing application. To be efficient, you should use something a little more intuitive.
Listed are programs I recommend downloading:
- Aptana Studio [http://www.aptana.com/]
A bit bulky, this free editor (Mac & PC) allows you a multitude of ways to keep your file structure compatible with your server area. Easy to synchronize both file structures within your computer and server. There are a lot of options and I think it might be best for separate posts just for using this thing (but there’s also the help section within the program itself). - TopStyle Pro [site]
This PC program is not free, but it is a favorite of mine. It is not huge and has all the features one needs to edit and implement. I do not synchronize TopStyle with FTP, rather I upload using an FTP program. - TextMate [site]
This is a Mac program and is not free. It is a favorite amongst my Mac friends.
If you are working with a program that does not have ftp built into it, you will need to use a separate program for this task.
What is FTP?
FTP stands for ‘File Transfer Protocol’. It is the way in which one goes about sending information to and from ones computer to the server, vice verse. There are a few other protocols, one being sFTP, which is a “secure file transfer protocol” and is good practice to use.
FTP Program listings (shortened);
- Filezilla [site]
This free FTP program for PC is best in my opinion. I was using SmartFTP which is great but is no longer free. I do give money to Filezilla as they ask for donations. - CyberDuck [site]
One of the only free Mac FTP programs that I know of and am familiar with. It gets the job done although not as intuitively as the ones available for PC users.
If the editor you use does not have an FTP setup, all one has to do is drag and drop files from your computer into your FTP program. It’s as simple as that.