Computer Book Reviews

Designing With Web Standards by Jeffrey Zeldman
New Riders, June, 2003
Trade Paperback, 436 pages
ISBN: 0735712018
Ordering information:
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Designing With Web Standards
by Jeffrey Zeldman

Jeffrey Zeldman is tough on people who use too much code. In fact, he is adamant that web developers move away from the clumsy design practices that originated during the browser wars. Zeldman's book even has a chapter entitled, "99.9% of Websites Are Obsolete." He is tough on websites like Amazon.com and Yahoo.com that waste bandwidth by using out-dated imperfect code that can be replaced with much less code by following web standards. Fortunately for webmasters, Zeldman's book offers solutions for cutting back on the excess code and using standards that are forward compatible -- meaning they will work now as well as in the future. Cutting back on the amount of code can save web developers bandwidth -- which can save money. Zeldman encourages web developers to dump the old tags and nested tables by explaining that "the days of browser incompatibility are gone." His book includes instructions, advice and suggestions for what to do. Zeldman also gives example code and instructions for using XML, XHTML, CSS and offers numerous tips for working with different browsers. His latest book is a must-have for any web developer trying to leave his clumsy web design past behind. You might not agree 100% with everything Zeldman has to say but you will definitely learn something and find some coding mistakes to correct.

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Designing With Web Standards by Jeffrey Zeldman