Developer's Corner

This is the how-to section of WebReference.com. Here you'll find short, concise tutorials and discussions on the latest techniques that you can use to spice up your Web site.

Contents:

HTML

HTML 4.01 in Netscape and Explorer

This is an annotation to the HTML 4.01 Specification, detailing the differences between the specification and its implementation in Netscape Navigator 7.2 and Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0.

Behind the Scenes with XHTML

This article takes a look at some of the requirements for proper XHTML coding are in relation to the head portion of the Web page.

Why Switch to XHTML?

For Web developers, the learning process never seems to end, especially with coding. As the Web evolves, so do the standards, which are moving from HTML to XHTML. Learn why you should consider migrating to this new standard sooner than later.

Practicing Safe Code

Kenneth Tibbetts helps everyone keep their pages clean and their users happy.

HTML Character Reference

Looking for a great character reference? No, we won't help with your job search, but with HTML characters. HTML with Style serves up some stylish symbols used by HTML 4.01 and XHTML 1.0.

Web Color Reference

Our color reference section includes tables that show the various color codes in use on the Web. We include named colors, the extended named colors, and the now infamous 216 "Websafe" color palette, complete with HEX, RGB, percentage, and even the new ReallySafe palette, all for your viewing pleasure.

HTML with Style [Tutorials]

Our HTML/CSS tutorials that will make sure you're up to code. Whether you're a beginning Web coder, or an advanced developer, these should give you the foundation you need to look and perform your best.

Dynamic HTML Lab [Tutorials]

Dynamic HTML Lab will show how you can add DHTML to your Web site, with step by step tutorials, source code, working examples, plus full background materials. After reading the tutorials you will be able to create your own sophisticated client-side, Web-based applications while maintaining full backwards compatibility.

XML

Exploring XML [Tutorials]

These tutorials focus on the eXtensible Markup Language (XML) and XSL.

Graphics

Create a 3D Scene with Maya and Photoshop, Part 1

Alias Software’s Maya is well known as a cutting edge 3D application. But even the most durable of 3D applications can benefit from the use of Photoshop, which can be used to build scene components, create textures, retouch existing backgrounds etc. Here, you’ll learn how to create a flying saucer in Maya, a Nebula in Photoshop and bring the two together in Maya to complete the image.

3D in Depth: Lighting, Part 2

Because of the environment, 3D lighting lends itself to a wide variety of situations that would be difficult, expensive or impossible in real life. This installment takes a look at lighting in depth.

3D in Depth: Lighting, Part 1

Lighting, (in combination with textures, camera angle etc.) is where your scene has the potential to come alive. But used improperly, light can wash out your scene, make objects appear hard or flat, and destroy all you've worked for.

Design

Evolution of a Home Page

Shows the evolution of our home page over time. With actual pages shown at key dates the design and architectural process is explored. By Andrew King.

Dmitry's Design Lab [Tutorials]

Dmitry boils down design into fundamental principles, and explores different topics in depth each month. Learn how to design a good company logo, use color effectively, and more.

JavaScript

How to Use JavaScript++

One of the problems facing JavaScript developers is that the core features are only supported in the latest browsers. In this article, users will learn how to use JavaScript to solve this problem.

JavaScript Popup Media Player

Playing videos in popup windows is often a simple task, but when you end up with multiple pages for each individual video, things can quickly become complicated. We can clean that up with JavaScript, and still make it accessible to users who don't have JavaScript.

The History of JavaScript and Databases

JavaScript and databases have a mixed history, due in part to JavaScript's success. Currently, Web security provisions restricts the ability of a Web program to read (and write) local files. Here are some options to change that.

Doc JavaScript

Learn how to use the latest features of JavaScript like style sheets, layers, and the new event handlers.

JavaScript Tip Archive

A collection of 30 coding tips with complete source code, working examples, and commentary.