INTRODUCTION

NO DOUBT ABOUT IT, HTML5 is hot. Although the fires were initially stoked by Apple's expressed preference for the nascent web language over embedded plug-ins, the power of HTML5 is transcending that discussion. HTML5 brings much-needed capabilities to web designers—capabilities that could significantly reshape the look-and-feel of the Web.

As a long-time web designer, I'm very excited about the possibilities of HTML5. And, as a teacher of web technologies, I feel it's important that new designers get off on the right foot so they can build web standard–compliant sites that work across multiple browsers today and well into the future.

WHO THIS BOOK IS FOR

The HTML5 24-Hour Trainer is designed primarily to introduce the language to beginning web designers and, secondarily, as an aid to current designers who want to try out the new features of HTML5. Whether you're a total newbie or a working professional who just needs a quick brush-up, this book will work for you.

If you are just starting out as a web designer, I suggest you read the book straight through, cover to cover. I've made sure to introduce concepts and techniques before they are put to use. Be sure to work your way through the Try It exercises as well, whether by following along with the written steps in the book or by watching the videos presented on the DVD. The first series of exercises are intentionally very basic, and they ramp up as the book progresses.

If you are familiar with HTML in general, I suggest you ...

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