Where to start learning?

[lightskin10]

Can anyone give me an idea where to start (books and other resources) teaching myself the skills to become a web developer? I know a tiny bit of html and tweak the pre-made layouts on a website I created for my father, but I really want to get good enough to make it my career. I don't want to be a web designer (or at least not *just* that), I want to write the code that powers major websites.

Any advice or suggestions are welcome. Thanks in advance!

[Fewezee]

Check out smashingmagazine.com They have lots of resources. Also check out books on asp.net, www.wowebooks.org they hav tons of programming books for download.

[Saga]

there are many tutorials on Youtube.if you're looking for somethings specific,just search on Youtube for example "how to smooth skin in Photoshop" or "how to change hair colour in Photosop", i'm sure you'll find something that you need.I would also recommend Gry Garness videos, she is a pro in photo retouching.

[superdustbunny]

Definitely a little late to this thread, but if you're still wondering, w3schools is how I learned much of my html, css, and javascript. They have a pretty good setup where they teach you the basics of the language and then allow you to use a real-time editor to play around with a snippet of code so you learn how to apply what you learned.

[rose]

Before you start, first think about what you want to do. A web developer is a broad term, it could be front-end or back-end.
I would start as a web designer or (if ambitious) a front end developer.

For this, a good online resource is the code academy, where you learn bits and pieces of major
web technologies. With books I really enjoyed writing from the Missing Manual publisher, check their the CSS book out!

[memo38]

a good start would be the learning of php + mysql

use a simple editor like notepad++ if you're using windows

youtube can help a lot with the basics

also get a cheap linux vps (128mb is enough) for hosting the sites you develop ($12 - $15 a year ), install centos + webserver nginx + php (5.3+) and mysql.


for creating a website without needing to be a designer I recommend looking to Artisteer.

[ambrosia10]

I would start with learning basic html and then moving up to something more complex. Open notepad and do some coding by hand. Watch youtube videos. Search for things you don't understand and read until you can figure it out. That's how I started almost 15 years ago. I do website design now as a side business, making money from something that simply started as an interest/hobby. Good luck!

[redsblue]

here's the funny thing. id just bang away at it making something one or two things everyday learning new skills you'd be shocked. there are tons of free things online. also remember to draw most people say omg pencil and paper is dead but sometimes doodles are good to do.
good luck

[naeemsan]

I think a good place to start is by checking out codes of websites and writing your own. Just make a website and start practicing. Until you practice, books and resources can't help too much.

[talbo]

Good place to start is your local library. Many now have free computer classes you can take online