Whats my best option...

I am creating a large HTML website (many page)... I want to design it so that if i have to make a change to the header or the side menu I can change them in 1 file and it will change over all of the pages... Whats the easiest way to achieve this?

 

Use PHP, the php file will reference seperate html files so you can have one for your header, one for your links menu etc. Then when you update the header file it will update on each page.

 

Where can I go to view and learn how to use this code?

 

you should use the include function to do this. look here

 

So do I just write the include file in html then save it as a PHP?

 

create a php file write your header on it. then include the your header file all of your pages. so with this function if you change your header file all off your pages header will change

 

You should use a script to make easier the job of changing anything on your website, try to learn php or find someone who can code a script for you.

 

alright thanks guys!

 

Can i call a HTML file if i want to or does it HAVE to be a php file?

 

Yes you can include HTML files... but the page using <?php include ("my.html"); ?> needs to use the ".php" extension... but that file can also be just HTML... just renamed with ".php".

I did a simple post explaining how to use php include here:
http://www.scoopy.us/odds-n-ends/save-time-with-php-include