Hi, I'm a beginner and really want to get into web design, so far I've learnt basic HTML and CSS. I've got Adobe CS4 Master Collection and I've been watching Lynda.com tutorial videos on Dreamweaver CS4. My problem is I'm not moving forward, my friend says to just a build a basic first website and move on from there, I've tried but I don't know where to start. So has the forum please got any detailed advice on steps of building a first website, what skills I need to learn, what order I do things in etc.. Preferably using the software I've got eg: Dreamweaver and Photoshop advice is much appreciated
You can learn how to code without using DreamWeaver. Learn in the follow order: 1. HTML 2. CSS 3. PHP 4. JavaScript 5. Ajax Most sites are coded using them so learn them one by one. To practise do as your friend said just build example sites. Come up with a main project for yourself for example a guest book and create a HTML and CSS front end then learn PHP and do the server side then learn JavaScript and Ajax and add some cool client side stuff.
The best way for me to learn was to actually get in and start doing it. I know that isn't the case for most people. Throw in mySQL to the list as well.
Like these fine people before me said, open up notepad (Or Dreamweaver if you insist on using it) And start building, just think of a simple & small project for yourself to start with, add the html & css , and try to learn some javascript & php underway to make your website really interesting. The best way to learn is to try it, just remember: Practice makes perfect
Find a basic website you like and view the source code to understand how it works. Play around with the code in your editor and make changes to see the results. You will be on your way in no time.