Click, Code, Load!!

To apply PHP to an HTML document, you need to follow these steps:

Save your HTML file with a .php extension. For example, "index.php" instead of "index.html".

Add the PHP code to your HTML file using the <?php ?> tags. Any PHP code placed within these tags will be executed by the server before the resulting HTML is sent to the client's browser. Here's an example:

In the example above, the PHP code sets a variable called $name to "John" and then prints out "Hello, John!" to the webpage.

To test your PHP code, you need to run it on a web server that has PHP installed. You can either install a web server (like Apache) on your own computer or use a web hosting service that supports PHP.

Finally, open your webpage in a web browser and you should see the results of your PHP code displayed alongside your HTML content.

Note that PHP code will only be executed on a web server with PHP installed. If you simply open the .php file in a web browser without running it on a server, you will see the raw PHP code instead of the executed output.

PHP is often used in conjunction with HTML to add dynamic functionality to web pages. Here are some examples of why you might want to use PHP in an HTML document:

User Authentication: PHP can be used to authenticate users on a website. For example, you might use PHP to check if a user has entered the correct username and password combination before granting them access to certain parts of the site.

Dynamic Content: PHP can be used to generate dynamic content based on user input or other factors. For example, you might use PHP to display different content depending on the time of day or a user's geographic location.

Form Processing: PHP can be used to process form submissions on a website. For example, you might use PHP to validate user input and store the results in a database.

Database Integration: PHP can be used to integrate a website with a database. For example, you might use PHP to retrieve data from a database and display it on a webpage.

E-commerce: PHP can be used to create and manage e-commerce websites, handling tasks such as shopping cart management, payment processing, and order tracking.

PHP can be a powerful tool for adding dynamic functionality to websites and making them more interactive and engaging for users.

Article Link: How to Use PHP in HTML (tutsplus.com)

If you havent checked out the MonsterInsights blog its worth adding to your favorites bar. There are lots of great articles to get you started with everything web design related.

Following up from my previous post on WordPress.org I did a little research on some of the best themes and custimisation options for your WordPress site.

Have a read for yourself and let me know what you think?

WordPress.org is a free and open-source content management system (CMS) that is used to create websites, blogs, and other online applications. It is one of the most popular CMS platforms in the world, with over 40% of all websites on the internet using it.

WordPress.org was first released in 2003 by Matt Mullenweg and Mike Little. Since then, it has been constantly updated and improved by a large community of developers and users. The platform is built on PHP and uses a MySQL database to store content and settings.

One of the biggest advantages of WordPress.org is its flexibility. Users can choose from thousands of themes and plugins to customise their website's appearance and functionality. Whether you want to create a simple blog or a complex e-commerce website, WordPress.org can be tailored to meet your specific needs.

Another advantage of WordPress.org is its ease of use. The platform has a user-friendly interface that makes it easy to create and publish content. WordPress.org also has a large community of users who are always willing to help with any questions or issues that may arise.

One important thing to note about WordPress.org is that it is different from WordPress.com. While both platforms use the same WordPress software, WordPress.com is a hosted service that takes care of hosting and maintenance for you. WordPress.org, on the other hand, is self-hosted, which means that you will need to find your own hosting provider and take care of maintenance yourself.

To get started with WordPress.org, you will need to download the software from the WordPress.org website and install it on your web hosting account. Once you have done that, you can start customising your website and creating content.

Whether you are a blogger, a business owner, or a developer, WordPress.org can be tailored to meet your specific needs. If you are interested in creating a website or blog, WordPress.org is definitely worth considering!

This is a great article and gives a very easy to follow list of considerations in how to begin designing your website...

Every little helps!

What is the difference between grid box layout and flex box layout advantages and disadvantages?

Frankly when to use a Flex box layout versus a grid box layout confuses me!

I’ve summarised the advantages and disadvantages from my research so far and I’d love to hear your thoughts on the subject?

Grid box layout and flex box layout are two commonly used CSS layout models in web development. While both offer powerful ways to control the layout of elements on a webpage, there are some key differences between the two.

Flexbox layout, also known as flexible box layout, is designed to provide a responsive way to align and distribute content within a container. It is a one-dimensional layout system that works by aligning elements along either the horizontal or vertical axis. Flexbox is particularly useful for creating responsive layouts that adjust to different screen sizes and orientations.

Advantages of flexbox layout:

Provides a flexible and efficient way to align and distribute content.

Allows for easy responsive design, making it easier to create layouts that work well on different devices and screen sizes.

Simplifies centering and spacing of content, reducing the need for complex CSS rules.

Offers better control over the order in which content is displayed, allowing for more dynamic layouts.

Disadvantages of flexbox layout:

Can be challenging to use for complex layouts that require more advanced positioning and alignment.

May require additional CSS rules to achieve certain design goals, leading to increased code complexity and file size.

Grid box layout, also known as CSS grid layout, is a two-dimensional layout system that allows for more fine-grained control over the placement of elements on a webpage. It works by creating a grid of rows and columns, which can be used to position elements anywhere within the container. Grid is particularly useful for creating complex layouts that require a high degree of precision.

Advantages of grid box layout:

Offers precise control over the placement of elements on a webpage, allowing for more complex and sophisticated layouts.

Provides a powerful way to create responsive designs that adapt to different screen sizes and orientations.

Simplifies the process of creating layouts that incorporate both columns and rows, reducing the need for additional CSS rules.

Offers a high degree of flexibility, making it easy to create unique and visually appealing designs.

Disadvantages of grid box layout:

Can be more difficult to learn and use than flexbox layout, especially for those new to web development.

May require more CSS code to achieve certain design goals, leading to increased file size and complexity.

Some older browsers may not support CSS grid, requiring additional workarounds or fallbacks to ensure compatibility.

Flexbox is a one-dimensional layout system that excels at creating responsive designs with flexible content distribution, while grid is a two-dimensional layout system that provides precise control over the placement of elements on a webpage. Both have their advantages and disadvantages, and the choice between them will depend on the specific needs of a given project.

Check out these websites they definitely covers all the bases if you are unsure which best suits your project:

Video Link:

Another platform that can really benifit you on your web-design journey.

Envato Elements is a subscription-based service that provides access to a wide range of digital assets, including templates, graphics, photos, video, audio, and more. It is an excellent resource for web designers and developers.

One of the most significant advantages of Envato Elements is that it provides a one-stop-shop for all your design needs, which can help you save time and money. Rather than having to purchase individual assets or tools, you can access a vast library of resources, including templates for popular CMS platforms like WordPress, Joomla, and Drupal. These templates can help you create a professional-looking website quickly, without the need for extensive coding or design skills.

In addition to templates, Envato Elements provides access to a wide range of graphics, icons, fonts, and stock photos, which can help you customise your website and create unique visual experiences.

Envato Elements also offers tutorials and courses that can help you improve your coding and design skills, which is essential for anyone looking to excel in the world of web design. These resources can help you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies, which can help you create websites that are both visually appealing and functional.

As an AI language model, I don't have a personal opinion, but I can provide you with some general information about Skillshare.

Skillshare is an online learning platform that offers courses on a wide range of topics, including design, photography, writing, cooking, and more. The platform is designed to provide practical skills and knowledge that learners can use in their personal or professional lives.

One of the benefits of Skillshare is that it offers a large library of courses taught by experts in their respective fields. Learners can access these courses at any time and learn at their own pace. Skillshare also has a community aspect, where learners can share their work, ask questions, and get feedback from other learners and instructors.

However, like any platform, there are some criticisms of Skillshare. Some users have reported that the quality of courses can vary widely, with some courses being outdated or of low quality. Additionally, some users have criticized Skillshare's business model, which relies on a subscription-based model and pays instructors based on the number of minutes watched rather than a flat fee for their courses.

Overall, whether or not Skillshare is worth it depends on your individual needs and preferences. It's a good idea to read reviews and try out a few courses before deciding if it's the right fit for you.

The Gestalt Princible,

Another interesting Principle is the Gestalt Principle,

Proximity, Closure, Similarity, Continuity, Perception, Organisation, and Symmetry.

Definitely worth a read:

Some of the more prominent principles include:

Space

Hierarchy

Contrast

Scale & Perception

Principles of Emergence, Reification, Multistability, and the Invariance Principle also offer insights into the design journey you which to take and achieve.

Where to begin??

When beginning your first project it can be a daunting task to decide what editor to use.

I’ve taken a look at a couple of editors and have decided to compare just 2 options today –

Adobe Dreamweaver &

Notepad++

There are many other options to choose from that are both paid and free to use depending on your skills level including:

Atom, Visual Studio Code, Sublime Text, Froala and CoffeeCup.

The first editor which can be downloaded to either your PC or Mac is Notepad. In my case I have downloaded the Notepad++ version. There are many options depending on what operating system you are working from.

Notepad is a great way to begin learning with little effort and there are great tutorials online to get started. Follow the link to a video I found very useful.

Notepad++ has everything you need to begin coding and because you are starting from scratch it teaches you the basics of both simple code and file management. Other features include:

Code edit tools. Plugin Integration, FTP connection and a Document Map which can help with larger blocks of code.

The second editor that I would recommend is Adobe Dreamweaver CC, however, be aware that you need to subscribe to Adobe and although there is a free 7-day trial available it is a costly application.

Dreamweaver offers users many options including 3 viewing options- Code, Split and Live view which makes it easier to view your changes in real time. It also offers template designs that allow you to both change the code directly or create using the design panel if your coding skills are limited.

There are many tutorials to get you started and if you want to give it a try follow the link below.

https://www.adobe.com/ie/products/dreamweaver/free-trial-download.html

Progressive Web Development Apps were first created by Google engineer Alex Russell in 2015. On the surface PWA’s look like a great option for small to medium size businesses with an expectation that larger companies would continue to use the more native apps. However, they have been adapted my many large companies including Starbucks, Spotify, BMW, Uber and Pinterest. Probably the most notable is Twitter Lite which has seen growth in both page views per session(up 65%) and the number of tweets sent(up 75%).

The progressive web app is a current trend in web development and can be installed on a devices home screen just like any other native application.

So, what are the advantages of PWA’s and are there any draw backs to consider?

PWA’s offer advantages over other native apps and can be used to capitalise on the experience presented to users(UX).

PWA’s work offline so connection to the internet isn’t a concern.

Load time is reduced.

Reliable performance even with poor network conditions

Instant updates

Reduced time to bring to market.

Positive effect on SEO

Cost effective deployment and maintenance.

Single code base which is shared between websites, mobile applications, and desktop apps.

There are some disadvantages to consider and these include:

No access to apps stores

Fewer functionalities - (for example, you cannot access contacts, calendar, Bluetooth or NFC)..

Still in the development phase - As of yet, it is currently not possible to; use Bluetooth or Siri, send push notifications, and use Face ID or Touch ID.

Performance - With a PWA you can achieve good results when it comes to performance however native apps are still well ahead when it comes to overall performance.