HTML is Dead
Obviously hyperbole since HTML is still the backbone of most websites. But it sounds better than, “HTML is Poorly” or “HTML has retired to Florida”.
And, undeniably, HTML is in decline.
HTML, or Hyper Text Markup Language began in 1983 at the CERN laboratory in Geneva. Its basic function is to allow you to format words and images by placing tags around them.
Scripting languages such as JavaScript, VBScript, etc, allow you to make your website interactive and animated.
HTML’s overall function may seem limited when compared to most scripting languages, but it has proved extremely flexible and some remarkable effects can be produced using just this basic language combined with a little imagination.
In the past, using anything but HTML was a recipe for a slow website that many would not be able to use. Modern computers and browsers have reduced this problem, but the side-effect is that HTML solutions are being abandoned in favour of scripts or third-party solutions.
Human nature I suppose since, when a problem presents itself, it is easier to use someone elses solution than to think creatively.
But if you stifle your creative impulses now, how long will it be before this spills over into the rest of your work?
Learn from other people, certainly, but don’t become dependant on a helping hand 100% of the time. You’ll learn far more about web design by coming up with a creative solution of your own, than simply copying and pasting someone else’s code.
You may even save some money. For example,
Let’s say you have some long, ugly-looking affiliate links that you want to shrink down. You can pay a third-party to provide some short redirects, or you can find a free service that includes some pop-ups or other undesireable advertising.
Easy? Yes. Necessary? Absolutely not. As long as you have your own domain.
- Create a folder in your main directory with a nice short name, eg – “free”.
- In that folder create an html page called index.html.
- Use the meta tag, “HTTP-EQUIV=REFRESH” in that page to redirect the visitor to your affiliate link.
- Upload the new folder and page to your server.
Now, when someone goes to www.yourdomain.com/free , they will automatically be redirected to your affiliate link.
You can even use this method to track your affiliate link by checking how many visitors go to your redirect page.
Of course, if you’ve been around a bit, you’ve probably heard this trick before. But take this as a reminder of just how versatile HTML can be. There are stacks of free resources available on the internet that can give you plenty of pointers on how to get creative with HTML.
I’ll bet there are at least a dozen HTML tags you’ve never heard of that can create all kinds of cool effects. And don’t forget the versatility that comes with style-sheets.
But the real benefit comes when you experiment for yourself.
HTML is dying, but only for those who’ve forgotten its worth. For many webmasters, it is alive and kicking.
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This article first appeared in The Nettle Ezine.
If you enjoyed it, why not try The Nettle Magazine at www.thenettle.com
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