Monday, September 10th, 2007 8:00 am by
J David 
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I love starting off a post with a contradiction. Actually, this is the first time I have ever done it, but I think I will have to do it more. Now lets get back on topic. In todays web design world, from the coding standpoint, you basically have to adopt some type of Content Management System (CMS) and work within that framework to develop your content. But what about XHTML and CSS? A newbie to the world of websites doesn’t ever have to learn those languages… or at least, so it seems.
Back in the day, I learned HTML 4.0 using a massive book and just reading through it while practicing with my Geocities website. This was when I was in high school, so it was about 7 or 8 years ago. From there, I went on to learn CSS from the W3 Schools. It wasn’t until last year that I finally felt confident enough to tackle a CMS. Since then, I have been experimenting with tons of them and I would not turn back. So, should a newbie just dive right in to a CMS?
A CMS Makes Website Creation Easy
Certainly, even the most basic CMS’s, once they are installed, provide an instant website. Then, to create content, you generally use a WYSISWG editor to start filling in the blanks. In principle, there is no need to learn any particular coding language. It’s like using a basic version of Microsoft Word to write your site’s material. With something like WordPress, you can be up and publishing within 10 minutes. I can see 2 major reasons why newbies would jump right into a CMS:
General Popularity
Everyone and their mother is starting a website these days (and more often than not, they want to make money…) so it is not surprising that most people are seeking the easiest method to achieve their goals. WordPress is by far the easiest way to go, but there are plenty of other options. This in turn creates its own buzz, giving rise to more people starting a CMS website.
Proliferation Of Free Themes
There are tons of themes out there for a variety of CMS’s and they couldn’t be easier to install. You can get a polished look for your website, without ever having to learn to read a single line of code. Hell, I myself offer free WordPress themes!
When just using a CMS with a free theme, the end product can be less than interesting. That conclusion is obvious. But in order to really customize a theme, a knowledge of the programming language used is necessary. But have you looked under the hood of a CMS? It can be daunting for a newbie. That is why I suggest…
Learn Basic Static Design First
I really recommend learning the fundamentals of static design. You can learn basic styling and layout methods first, then make the jump to a CMS. There are several reasons for this. First of all, if you are new to the coding world, it is very easy to become acclimated to XHTML and CSS (compared to other programming languages). Secondly, the static languages are used to format (essentially) the dynamic ones, so that they go hand in hand. Finally, I started out this way, so I want you to do the same!
This post is in response to the post, Should Newbies Learn Static or Dynamic Web Design? from the Graphic Design Blog.
Newbies definitely want CMS systems, I’d say 7 out of 10 of my client’s websites are built on a CMS.
I think same “daveRH” , first thing you want to experiment is some sort of CMS and then go into coding it self. Sometimes reading java,php etc books do not teach you everything. Live experimenting is always better.
I too learned HTML and CSS long before I used a CMS. The advantage here is that you can poke around under the hood and change the design and layout to your liking much easier, but with all the tutorials and themes available for content management systems, I don’t think an HTML or CSS newbie would really be that bothered about learning it.
I agree.
It is far more beneficial to the designer to learn static before going dynamic. Even if that dynamic is requested by 9 out of 10 of your clients. Otherwise you lose some of the troubleshooting benefits of it.
Personally, I still sketch on paper all my designs, create a PSD, create a static XHTML from it, then port it to WordPress or Joomla or whatever CMS required. It may seem like additional work, but in reality it saves time. Then again I’ve been hand coding (no WYSIWYG editors) for 8 years now.
- James
great title. you caught my eye.
David,
Did you create those templates or?
Thanks for your response to my post. I got an amazing amount of response to it. I appreciate everything you are saying - static before CMS - walk before you can run. I have however found that blogging and trying to use Wordpress as a CMS has really helped my coding skills and made me want to learn more. I will as you say though, be going back to the drawing board
Well, thanks for stopping by Tara! It was a great, provocative post.
BONTB, I did design and code all of the templates on my Templates page, but the theme used here is by Devlounge. Does that answer your question?
Hey man, nice post. I personally started HTML way back in the day. I think I was about 12. Moved on to CSS about 3-4 years after that. Then dabbled in PHP/MySQL ever since.
I think it’s very important to understand at least the basics of the underlying languages. xHTML and CSS are an absolute must!!!
yes that’s true.. all of my customers use CMS too…
“don’t try to run before you can walk”
and for gods sake dont pick up photoshop and export code …
I help people out on a few irc.quakenet.org and the number of people who try and start at later stages (though lazyness) is unreal.
I see any skill set like self-assembly furniture;
1. unpack see what you’ve got to work with (familiarise)
2. RTFM!
3. start at stage one and build up slowly
When you can do a flatpack Ikea chair then you can start thinking about breaking out the saw and chisel
Speaking of Ikea, why do I always end up with spare parts?… I don’t think I am supposed to have anything leftover…
Pretty interesting post. CMS… you guys tried out Texty yet? I’m about to build something similar that suites my needs a little more and is more SEO friendly (if there is even such a thing anymore). I enjoyed the read. Good stuff.
heh, I have quite a (un)healthy collection of Ikea screws myself …
2 years on though it’s all still together
I think that we should put the newbie into 2 category. One that is only there to make a site up and running, and those that want to also tweak it. For the latter I suggest learning the basic static language, as they would need it.
For the other type of newbie, I think that an open source CMS and a free template is far than enough for him.
actually this is the step most people can pass. almost everyone thinks that to have a website technical skills are required but actually they are not.
If you just want a “website” go to myspace.
If you want a good one, learn your trade.
Normally I wouldn’t make a personal comment,but I’ve just been by your site. Not only is it incredibly ugly but …
you demonstrate no coding OR artistic skills, while technically you are right it’s nothing to be proud about.
It’s also a good example of whats wrong with the internet with ppl cobbling together 1/2 assed pages on irrelevant urls that are just weak attempts to scrape some click thru cash.
Embassy suites … wtf
You can say its SEO strategy if you like, but rape is a strategy to get sex if you want to push a point.
If you just want a “website” go to myspace.
If you want a good one, learn your trade.
Yes I agree Steve, people should learn the trade, its the only way
And now we embark on HTML5 and CSS3. Does it ever end? It’s important to keep up on it all..CMS or not.
I’ve just discovered your WP themes Thanks a lot !!!
Very nice post. nice post. I’am started HTML way back in the day. I think I was about 12. Moved on to CSS about 3-4 years after that. Then dabbled in PHP/MySQL ever since.
Good post for people who are trying to start and make something in this adventure.
Great post.
Using ready made templates is the way forward. As long as your original content is interesting then people will not care what the design is like as long as it is well organised and easy to view.
thx for this post. it’s good for beginners
great title. thank you