Dynamic HTML Adds Interactivity

Dynamic HTML, or DHTML, is not something that can easily be described, or separated from other Web technologies. It is a group of technologies that, when tied together, enable a Web developer to bring a page to life. The three main components that make up DHTML are HTML, JavaScript and Cascading Style Sheets (CSS). HTML is used for the basic structure of the document, JavaScript to manipulate the Document Object Model (DOM), and CSS to define the presentation and style of the document.

Because DHTML is still emerging and in its infancy, the two major browser suppliers, Netscape and Microsoft, have not agreed on a common DOM for utilizing the full functionality and features of this progressive manipulation methodology. DHTML first appeared in each vendor's version 4 product so you must be current with your browser of choice to witness and execute the programmer's intent. The inconsistency between browsers has made it difficult for developers to program pages that fully employ DHTML that is operational for all viewers. Thus, Internet Brothers provides tips and tutorials in each flavor.

Internet Explorer 4.x+ - Microsoft's implementation of DHTML is generally considered ahead of Netscape's Navigator in richness of the DOM. By using the document.all object array with MSIE4 or 5, it is possible to address almost any object in a document, including images and text.

Netscape Communicator 4.x - One basic addition to the version 4 browsers was the ability to layer information. Layers are used to hold different documents, which can then be positioned either relative to other content or positioned absolutely on the page.

Cross Browser Examples - The Web developer who chooses to use DHTML endeavors to make it fully functional to all version 4 browsers. While not an easy task, it can be accomplished with a little sweat and a lot of cursing.

Cascading Style Sheets Basics - Style sheets allow you to adjust the traits that define how text, tagged with a given HTML element, is displayed. Follow along as we introduce you to this up and coming, but still not fully supported, technology that allows for ease of consistency across your web site.

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The Internet Brothers have implemented hierarchical menus for navigation. Easier done than said.

The hierarchical menus were created using Peter Belesis' © Dynomat DHTML scripting tool from Webreference. Give them a visit, you'll like what you learn.

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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