| |
Ask not what dHTML can do for you;
but what you can do with
dHTML
What is dHTML and what can I do
with it?
dHTML (dynamic HTML) combines various types of programming languages
(such as CGI scripts, JavaScript, CSS) to enhance simple HTML. This
combining of scripts allow changes to occur on a page even after it has
been loaded into the browser. Without having to reload, contents on the
page can change as a mouse moves over texts, paragraphs, headings,
etc.
Although this
technology is far from being new, its implementation may have been
somewhat hindered because of issues with browser compatibility. As the
web continues to develop and browsers continue to be updated, many of
these issues are being ironed out with solutions such as implementations
of "Behaviors" by IE and "Action Sheets" by Netscape. Even beyond the
browsers' improvements, the vast amount of good, free script resources
that are now available make the implementation of dHTML a ready
reality.
The resources available may make dHTML much easier to implement, but
there are always the drawbacks. Browser compatibility and loading speed
are always important issues to keep in mind. If you are not too
comfortable playing with scripts, perhaps it would be wise to spend a
few minutes considering the opportunity costs before spending hours
attempting to make images dance on your page. Ask yourself the
following questions:
Is the implementation of dHTML worth the time?
dHTML often lend a certain professional feel to your site. However,
if your site and products are not necessarily technology-oriented, is it
worth the time and effort to make your site look "techno-savvy"? Would
your time and efforts be better invested elsewhere on the site? Often
times, the look and feel of a page can be improved with simple changes
that do not involve more programming. By making sure that the
typography on the page is unified, the color scheme is pleasing to the
eye, the placement of content is logical and effective and that none of
your links are broken, you are already on your way to vastly improving
your site without the use of fancy scripts.
Does dHTML add something unique to my site or help me to sell my
product more effectively?
If dHTML does not add anything unique to your site, if your current
page loading speed is already slow and the technology you are using
suffices to sell your product, perhaps it would be counterproductive to
add dHTML. Sometimes simplicity is the best way to go: often, too many
blinking images can in fact distract or annoy your site's visitor.
It is important to keep in mind the nature of your site and your
audience when looking to improve your site. If you are attempting to
appeal to a younger audience, perhaps brighter colors and more flashy
images is the key. If yours is a business looking to provide services
to a more conservative industry, make sure your site is "optimized" for
your conservative audience down to the color, graphics and images.
Remember, just as
bigger is not always better, more complex scripts are not always
preferable to simple HTML. Be sure to use caution when proceeding to
implement fun, new scripts. Happy programming!
Webmasters
Manual:
|
|
