Making a website from HTML and CSS files?

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turb

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#215238 18-Jun-2017 17:20

I've been learning HTML and CSS and hope to move on to JavaScript and PHP next, mostly just to keep my brain sharp. I'll eventually want to use my knowledge to put up a website.

Having learnt how to code all this stuff from scratch I don't want to waste it by using a WYSIWYG program. Even if I could afford to buy one. I've been using Netbeans as my editor.

Google has not been my friend as I try to figure out how:

Make links in HTML files so I can link from one page to the next within my website. When I learn about links the examples are always to either an external web address, or say an image file in the same folder. Or do I have to know what the web address for each page will be when I write the code for the link?
When I have somehow bundled up all my files ready to go, how do I interact with the web host to upload my files and tie my domain name to them?

When I google I just get scores of hits from web hosts who either want to just give me a basic template to fill in, or who assume I know heaps. It can't be that hard - I just need a guide.

Can anyone post a link that will help?

Interests: HTPC, Web App authoring.

JoshWright

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#1803031 18-Jun-2017 17:29

Limited HTML knowledge, but this might answer your question

Linking to other pages on your site just follow the same as if it was an external site, but use the title of the page and its file format (e.g. page.html) and ensure it is within the same directory as your index.html

I recommend W3Schools as a great place to learn HTML. Take a look at the 'local links' section of this page: https://www.w3schools.com/html/html_links.asp

Yabanize

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#1803032 18-Jun-2017 17:39

When you find a web host, they will usually give you a web based control panel where you can configure things related to your web site.

There are two ways you can upload your files, Via a file manager in the control panel, or using an FTP client (and their provided FTP settings)

You will want to put the files inside a directory on the web hosting called public_html or www. The file called index.html will be the one that loads when your www.example.com domain is requested. You will also need to buy a domain name, and point it to your web host's DNS or NS servers, but if you buy the domain from the same place who is hosting your web site that might be automatic.

Try again searching for web hosting, there are even some free options. Perhaps ignore the ads and just look at the actual results

freitasm

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#1803043 18-Jun-2017 18:10

When linking within your site you don't need to put the full domain in the hyperlink. For example all pages here are in the default root folder, with page3 being on a folder called "documents"

default.html
page1.html
page2.html
documents/page3.html

To link from default.html to page1.html you can use this:

A link from default.html to page3.html would be:

The first / indicates the root folder so it's safe to use from any page in a relative way. \documents means the folder documents below the root folder.

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Oblivian

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#1803071 18-Jun-2017 19:40

If you want to do some real world testing closer to home, there are bundles such as wampserver that you can chuck on locally for some PHP and local web hosting work.

As long as you don't go making pinholes you can use it from your browser to your hearts content to ensure your links are valid (not just for browsers interpretation of file:// windows directories) and such. Also making a hosts file (or router edit) to a BS domain of your choosing before going the real deal. But once familiar with directory/apache management you would be ready for a virtual host running cpanel or similar.

jarledb

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#1803155 19-Jun-2017 01:34

freitasm:

<a href="\page1.html">Link to page1</a>

Tsk. Its / not \ :)

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turb

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#1803440 19-Jun-2017 13:39

Oblivian:
If you want to do some real world testing closer to home, there are bundles such as wampserver that you can chuck on locally for some PHP and local web hosting work.

As long as you don't go making pinholes you can use it from your browser to your hearts content to ensure your links are valid (not just for browsers interpretation of file:// windows directories) and such. Also making a hosts file (or router edit) to a BS domain of your choosing before going the real deal. But once familiar with directory/apache management you would be ready for a virtual host running cpanel or similar.

Yes, thanks it would be good to test things at home!

What is a BS domain? When I google I get lots of stuff about the Bahamas.

Interests: HTPC, Web App authoring.

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freitasm

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#1803462 19-Jun-2017 14:20

He means "bullshit domain" as in a disposable one.

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turb

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#1803469 19-Jun-2017 14:33

freitasm:
He means "bulls*** domain" as in a disposable one.

Gahhh I'm such a noob....

Interesting that until I blanked that word out I got "Error: Your post was not accepted due to bad word: sh1t"

Obviously the Menumeh Himself doesn't have such petty restrictions.

Hey here's an idea: As a user's geek status increases, you get to use worse words!

Interests: HTPC, Web App authoring.

turb

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#1807433 27-Jun-2017 10:09

Thank you for all the input.

I've been looking at the different domain name services, also hosting.

The prices vary wildly, but it looks like I get a better deal if I do both with the same company.

I'm a bit worried that the name registration that looks such good value this year will be waay more next year.

Is there anything I can do about that, except for move everything to another provider?

I'm just a hobbyist at the moment so I don't want to commit to a long period.

Interests: HTPC, Web App authoring.

tardtasticx

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#1807437 27-Jun-2017 10:16

turb: Thank you for all the input.

I've been looking at the different domain name services, also hosting.

The prices vary wildly, but it looks like I get a better deal if I do both with the same company.

I'm a bit worried that the name registration that looks such good value this year will be waay more next year.

Is there anything I can do about that, except for move everything to another provider?

I'm just a hobbyist at the moment so I don't want to commit to a long period.

Use https://metaname.net/

I use them now but haven't had a renewal yet. As far as I understand they don't do that annoying "$19 first year then $80 the following" that you get with the big popular companies.
I started using them after seeing a lot of recommendations for them here on Geekzone, and can totally see why everyone does recommend them.