The Internet not only defines our age but also is arguably the main way we share information and user-created content. If the Internet is important, publishing for the web is also important. Publishing for the web takes many forms, such as creating and updating websites, and involves a wide range of media from text to images to video. Each section of this book covers a different aspect of web publishing. Each section is made up of chapters that were adapted from blog posts and discuss a resource related to the topic of the relevant section.
The first section of this book covers usability. Usability is how quickly and easily someone can accomplish a given task with a product. Naturally, it is important to be able to find and access content easily, so usability is our first consideration.
One of the first ways you can start creating usable content is discussed in the second section of this book. The second section of this book discusses HTML and markup. HTML (HyperText Markup Language) and other markup languages are the building blocks of the web. These languages tell web browsers what each part of a website is. HTML is used to define what part of a web page is what, creating the structure of a web page or website.
HTML can also be used to add graphics. The third section of this book, of course, focuses on graphics. Graphics, in their most basic sense, are images. Graphics can be used to add visual interest, illustrate and simplify information or data, and of course, sometimes are the main content.
Of course, graphics are not the only form of media on the web. The fourth section of this book covers video and audio. Video and audio are more than just embellishment for websites and web pages; they can enhance or hinder websites or web pages, so it is important to understand when and how to use them.
A similar level of thoughtfulness and understanding is also necessary when implementing tables. The fifth section of this book discusses tables. Tables present information in a grid or matrix with rows and columns that communicate the information’s meaning and visual relationships.
The first six sections of this book focus on building the foundation of your website or web page, but the sixth section focuses on WordPress.org and other web hosting services. WordPress.org and other web hosting services host websites and let other people access published websites.
Of course, websites aren’t the only type of content that can be published for the web. The final section of this book discusses eBooks. eBooks are digital publications that can be downloaded from the Internet and can be read on electronic devices such as smartphones and tablets.
The world of web publishing is vast, and this book covers only a few web publishing topics. Nonetheless, this book aims to introduce readers to web publishing and share resources that will aid you in your web publishing journey.
