Web lingo like HTML, CSS, and PHP are pretty much household names by now. And why not, since they're now being taught in Computer subjects mandatory for all students in high school and below. Swimming with these words in the mainstream culture are XHTML, JavaScript, Flash-all of which are employed in popular devices and websites. XHTML and JavaScript are commonly used in websites and games meant for mobile phones, while Flash animations are abundant in the net.
But one web term that is as useful as the ones mentioned above are more obscure than others, perhaps because it's a combination of CSS, JavaScript and HTML. So it's a term that generally goes unused, add to that the fact that Flash can do a better job, so the term is often forgotten or not brought up at all. This may be true for those who are professional web designers, but amateurs and newbies can learn and benefit a lot from that branch of HTML which isn't discussed very much: Dynamic Hypertext Markup Language, or DHTML.
What is DHTML? DHTML, as it name means, is simply a combination of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript which allows you to add special effects and simple animations. Contrary to misconceptions, it is not a web language or standard itself. It may range from subtle changes in the hover link properties, to collapsible navigation bars, to cool fade-in fade-out image-hover effects, to even going all out by applying a "spotlight effect" to your cursor when you browse a certain web page.
Why should you know DHTML? Well, unless you're very much comfortable with Flash and using plug-ins like PSD2FLA, DHTML is your best bet, especially if you want to add spiffy effects to your webpage without having to learn complex scripting and coding. Or maybe you're new to the whole website creation process, but you'd like to make your page more dynamic and interactive, then DHTML will do the job for you. In fact, there are tons of websites offering copy and paste codes. These codes will do various types of special effects that will surely add that extra special something to your site.
So how do you incorporate DHTML to your web site? It's really simple, even if you're not well-versed in CSS, JavaScript, and events HTML coding, you can get by with basic HTML knowledge. So first up, open Photoshop, create your own layout, maybe use a handy tool like SiteGrinder to turn the image into an HTML page, or do the coding yourself. Add the text, and other elements.
Check the whole site. If everything's running smoothly, you can now add DHTML! Some sites that offer free DHTML codes (just make sure you don't remove the credits on the source code!) are DynamicDrive.com and DHTMLgoodies.com. Usually there are instructions there on how to add the script to your site; follow these carefully, or you might mess your page up.
One thing to remember here is to choose only the effects that will work well with your site. Also, don't go on a DHTML frenzy and apply every cool effect that you see. It'll backfire; who would want to waste time on a site that has a thousand annoying flashy effects, and minimal content? The rule "less is more" definitely applies in this area. Still, have fun using DHTML!
Adam Cherrington is a graphic designer and web SEO who loves to teach Photoshop 'how to.' He has a series of in-depth videos on his Sitegrinder Mastery website that show exactly how the site was built. Anyone wishing to hone their skills as a graphic artist is sure to get a lot out of his free videos.
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