Learning DHTML
Because both Netscape and Microsoft have pledged support for the emerging W3C standards, time spent learning DHTML is well spent. Knowledge gained today will not become obsolete and will give you a head start once DHTML is standardized for all browser manufacturers.
In rating the difficulty of all web design skills, DHTML falls somewhere in the middle. It isn’t as difficult as Java or Perl programming, but it is more difficult than regular HTML.
You should first experiment with visual DHTML development tools such as Dreamweaver 1.0 or Fusion 3.0 before you begin coding DHTML by hand. A visual tool will allow you to get a feel for DHTML technology rather quickly. Afterwards, if a tool doesn’t meet your needs, begin coding by hand.
Tools are discussed again at the end of the chapter. After reading the sections on browser differences and DHTML examples composed manually, it should give you a greater appreciation of the time and effort a tool can save you.
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