Introduction
You need more than a good web host to get a web site on the internet. A web host will provide the computer equipment and connections required to make the web site accessible, but the host will not build your site. To modify a famous movie theme, you must build it before they will come! This article will touch on some of the tools available to help you build your own web site. It is not intended as a tutorial on how to build a web site nor is it an exhaustive reference on web development tools.
Choosing the Best Tools
Many types of tools are available and they range from basic text editors to site designer packages full of bells and whistles.
Text Editors
Believe it or not, any text editor can be used to create a web site, even DOS Editor, Pico, or Notepad. The Hypertext Markup Language (HTML) is merely plain text. It is analogous to a recipe for how the page is to be displayed, what information is in it, and which graphic files are used. Some designers use the basic text editors that come with their computers to make web sites.
HTML Editors
An HTML editor is a souped-up text editor designed to work specifically with HTML. Some HTML editors show different HTML tags in varying colors in order to make it easier for the designer to work with the code. Many also include extras such as pre-made JavaScript and CGI scripts to add functionality to a web site. Some even include a built-in File Transfer Program (FTP) that enables the user to publish the web site without having to use a separate program.
WYSIWYG Editors
WYSIWYG is an acronym for "what you see is what you get." WYSIWYG editors are a step up from an HTML editor. They allow designers to create advanced web pages without bothering with any HTML coding. They often work very similarly to word processors, such as Microsoft Word or WordPerfect and are usually relatively easy to learn.
Site Designers
Web site designer programs are the ultimate utility for creating web sites. Many advanced designers prefer to use site designers instead of coding the sites themselves. The design programs allow the user to focus on form and layout while the software produces the functionality.
Conclusion
Web page design is not an easy task. Many people choose to hire professional web site designers. However, for those who wish to build the site themselves, many tools are available. With a little time and the right tools, you can build your own web site!
