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Web Design: Glossary of Terms

Much of the web design terminology used in our website may be unfamiliar to you. We therefore provide this glossary of terms in an attempt to demystify web design industry speak!

eXtensible HyperText Markup Language (XHTML)

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Currently the programming language of choice for website implementation. XHTML is a fussion of another web programming language, XML (eXtensible Markup Language), and the already familiar HTML.

The current version is XHTML 1.0 and, as XHTML is seen in the web design industry as the way forward, work is currently being undertaken to bring out a new release -- XHTML 1.1.

form

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A form is a collection of data entry fields, together with some operational buttons. They are normally included in a web page for the purpose of collecting and processing user-entered data and providing more interactive websites.

Data entry fields may include text boxes, dropdown lists of scrollable options, check boxes, etc., while the operational buttons are usually limited to one for reseting or clearing the form, and another for submitting the completed form. On submission of a form, the data entered is usually sent to the server for processing. However, it is possible carry out the processing of certain user data on the user's computer.

Forms are perfect for the registration of users in mailing lists, taking orders online or for increasing traffic to your web site via a tell-a-friend tool.

frequently asked questions (FAQ) page

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Essentially, a web page listing in question and answer format the commonest enqueries received on a particular subject. FAQs usually relate to the operations, products or services of a business or organisation.

homepage

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The main page of your website or an area within your website and, more often than not, the first page seen by any visitors to your website. It forms a point of entry, much like the cover of a magazine, where the contents of your website should be summarised and presented in such a way that stimulates a desire for further exploration.

hypertext

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Essentially, any web page text that forms a link to another document, within or external to the website currently being visited, or a specific point within the same or another document.

Hypertext has made the Internet what it is today, forming an integral part of any internal or external website navigation, allowing documents containing related information to be easily accessed by the click of a mouse.

More commonly referred to as a link or hyperlink.

HyperText Markup Language (HTML)

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Until recently, the programming language of choice for website implementation. HTML is a subset of the more comprehensive markup language SGML and provides the means to describe a document, its structure and its content. It is used pricipally in the preparation of documents to be viewed with a client browser, such as Mozilla, Netcape, Internet Explorer, Opera, etc.

The current version is HTML 4.01, but there don't appear to be any plans to develop the language further, with many web designers now opting for XHTML.

PHP

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A programming or scripting language embedded within the pages of a website and executed at the time the web page is requested. PHP is used to construct websites that are easier to maintain and expand, and also to provide certain dynamic and interactive features found in more complex websites.

PHP is enabled as standard in each web hosting plan provided by Progredi e-Business, even our Starter Plan!

website

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The location of information relating to a business, organisation, individual, etc. on the world wide web. Usually takes the form of a collection of web pages, graphic images, sound and video clips, etc.

Valid XHTML 1.0! Valid CSS!