Code War Stories

CSS 101: The Journey Begins…

I don’t know about you, but Blog Bloke is always learning something new, and I still have much to learn when it comes to HTML. Just when I think I know it all, I come across a site that blows me away and it’s back to the drawing board again.

And besides, Google has imposed that Navigation Bar on the top of my blog, and so I have no choice but to incorporate it into my web design. It’s the same old story - if you can’t beat ‘em… join ‘em.

So I’ve decided to get serious with CSS. Oh, I’ve poked around with it from time to time (this site uses some stylesheets) but I never really immersed myself in mastering it (yeah right if that’s possible). Everybody tells me it’s the future of website design so I’m taking the plunge in a big way. It’s sink or swim time for the Bloke.

Never to shirk from a challenge, (the Bloke does his own coding - duh) I’m currently working a new blog design that will be more CSS (less tables) and should be rolling out in the ensuing days.

But Bloke, you say! There’s already a bunch of free templates over at Blogger and elsewhere. Yes, true enough but there seems to be a shortage of 3 column layouts around.

What’s so great about CSS anyway? Well for starters you can create really cool effects like 3D piano-key rollover menus and rounded edges on your borders. It is lightweight, loads faster than tables, is more flexible and efficient in layout design and much, much more. The most sophisticated websites are using it and that’s good enough for the Bloke.

I was up all night to 7 am sourcing CSS stuff (as you may have guessed I don’t sleep much) and came across some free resources. I thought I would share it with you so here is just a smidgen of the resources that are available out there…

For starters, here is a must-have collection of everything CSS. And while you’re at it, why not get your own CSS editor for free. Or how about making your own CSS styles online? After you’ve created your masterpiece better make sure that it is working correctly.

But hey Bloke. What the heck is CSS anyway? My recommendation is you had better learn it, ’cause if you’re not round you’re just not cool.

This is only the beginning of the journey so stay tuned… there’s more to come.

Code War Stories Part 11