newbie wanting to learn

[joanne]

Hi everyone, I am so excited to find a bb where I can hopefully learn and ask alot of (probably dumb ) questions.

I know my basic html but stoped at javascript because I just couldnot get my head around it. :(

I have been asked to redo the church web site, which I am excited to do as I learn better when I have a purpose.

I know what I want to achieve but don't know how to do some certain effects. I do not mind learning but need a kick in the right direction because I'm not even sure WHAT I need to learn for all these effects.

For example.. I would like to have some pictures of diferent activites changing in intervals in a cell on the home page. Is this done with javascript (please say no)
also I would like the links on the home page to become a drop down menu of more detailed links.

Any hints how I accomplish this??

JO

[khaki]

Hi JO -

I didn't see your post until just now (it's already 7:30 my time), but you can accomplish what you are looking to do (and yes... it's with Javascript - but don't panic, it's not so bad. wink).

Unfortunately I won't be able to walk you through it tonight (I'll be around again in the morning), so I'll just give you the URL for now:
http://codelifter.com/main/javascript/slideshow3.html.

So... for now, go to this link and see if this is what you want to do (it also adds text - but you don't have to implement that part).

If this is what your looking for I'll try to give you a hand tomorrow. Let me know what time (Eastern - USA) you will be araound and I'll try to help you out (unless one of the other kind members of this site get you rolling earlier).

Sorry I can't help you tonite but.... a girls gotta eat and get her beauty rest y'know!

Talk to you tomorrow.
k

[joanne]

Khaki, thanks a bunch. You are so welcoming and helpful.

That is a great link (I could have fun there for a long time!!) and yup, thats exactly what I want my pictures to do.

I did give it a shot and did all the cutting and pasteing as I was told (so I thought) but ended up with an error message. :mad:

I think Java script just has to see me coming and tries to think of ways to mess my head!!

I'm on central standard time, don't know why I think that would make a difference but I thought I'ld mention it!:)

I'll post tommorrow after work and try to run into ya.
Have sweet dreams.
Maybe I'll give it one more go.

Thanks again
JO

[joanne]

Ok, I gave it another shot. This time the java script commands are printing up just like text on my web page. I can understand errors if I was doing the typing but this is just cut and paste.

I forgot to mention I am using MS Frontpage, but everything is turned on there as far as I can see.

Any ideas?

[jpmoriarty]

morning all...

just thought I'd warn that there are a lot of people out there who don't use javascript, and therefore it's a good idea to take that into account when designing your site. Changing images is more usually done (i think) using animated gif's: if you get a package like paint shop pro, it comes with "animation shop" which lets you create them, and do animation of them too (like fades etc). FOr all my changing pictures on my sites, i use animated gif's, and havent ever considered using javascript. i think you're always headed for trouble if you're doing the "cut and paste" routine, because it means that you dont really know what the code is doing, and therefore dont know what makes it break: i think you'll spend an awfully long time trying to get it to work, and be none the wiser as a result!

There are probably other packages out there to do it that are free, so have a search on www.download.com to see if there are any there.

[Tim158]

You could also use Flash to create the effect.

The evaluation version of Macromedia Flash MX lasts for 30 days - that should be long enough to create everything that you need for a website.

[khaki]

Good morning Jo -

I'm glad that the link was what you were after.
At least Step 1 is now complete. Only 62 more steps to go (just kidding. We'll have your images rolling in no time. lol).

You had some options from 2 other members offered here as well. Unfortunately both of those options are beyond "basic HTML", so if you couldn't "get your head around" Javascript, you'll need a couple of extension cords to navigate around animated gifs and Flash.

But both are good options - when you're ready for them (and that's what is so great about this forum - you get so many different approaches for tackling your problems).

Actually the animated gif suggestion is not too difficult (but you won't be able to use FrontPage to create them and you will be working with JPGs). I've used an app called Ulead GIF Animator in the past (eh), but now I use Fireworks (woo-hoo!). John (jpmoriarity) gave you a link for downloading some free apps (Ulead was free, Fireworks was NOT!). The Flash evaluation version (as Tim mentioned is free too - for a while, anyway). If your feeling bold and sassy, give that a try (and then you can teach me - cause I'd love to learn it! wink)

I'll just stick with the Javascript aspect of it with you (if you want). We should be able to get it working for you, I'm sure. John is right however, (at least partially) when he says:

i think you're always headed for trouble if you're doing the "cut and paste" routine, because it means that you dont really know what the code is doing, and therefore dont know what makes it break: i think you'll spend an awfully long time trying to get it to work, and be none the wiser as a result!

I actually believe that by modifying working versions of Javascript it helps you to learn a little quicker (at least you learn what to touch and what to leave alone, at least). Eventually you kind of start picking it up a little at a time, just by exposing yourself to it.
And contrary to many opinions around these parts (and this is not directed at you, Jo), Javascript (even a little) is almost a necessity (and those who "don't have it" or refuse to activate it in their browsers, will just have to understand that they will eventually be left out in the cold, because Javascript is here. People use it. It allows for innovation. And it works).

OK Jo, so if I'm still alive after that rant I'll keep an eye out for you later today after you get out of work. And YES it matters that you mentioned that you are on Central Standard Time. I wish more people would indicate their locations so that we could know what part of their day they are presently occupying. Maybe you could update your profile with that information and we can start a trend (wink).

See you later
k

(alright, hammer away. but im not going to get bullied, so play nice. and remember, it's my opinion - and i'm allowed to have it - so if you want to disagree you can. just don't be rude. please)

[pyro]

Originally posted by khaki
Unfortunately both of those options are beyond "basic HTML", so if you couldn't "get your head around" Javascript, you'll need a couple of extension cords to navigate around animated gifs and Flash.I think not...an animated .gif would be easier to make/learn-to-make than a javascript would be to make/learn-to-make! Flash is a fine option as well, but not worth learning/buying the program for this simple task.

Originally posted by jpmoriarty
just thought I'd warn that there are a lot of people out there who don't use javascriptExcept for the fact the this would be a fine use of javascript because if you program right, it won't break for those who have chosen to disable it. It just won't rotate the graphic. That being said, an animated .gif is still probably the best bet for this simple task.

[khaki]

I still think it's easier (for a self-described newbie) to insert and modify pre-existing Javascript than to download and learn a new app (even a scaled-down GIF Animation app). But I suppose that you guys are absolutely correct that animated gifs are (overall) the best way to go for this type of need.
I never really considered which way was best before, but obviously John and Pyro have considered it - and it makes sense. More effort up front, but less for the browser to do later. Plus there's no need to alienate the self-alienating anti-Javascript crowd (I have already done enough of that here in this thread, I imagine. lol).

But I'll still (hopefully) be online when you get out of work Jo - in case you want to try to get the Javascript version working on your page. You can still go in that direction if you want (even if it's just temporary until you become less of a newbie). Plus, it may help you to become less apprehensive about using Javascript (after all, there's an entire section devoted to it on this forum, so there are a lot of needs for it, and you might need it again for something else as well).

See you later (and thanks for the intelligent input guys! Your advice is not given in vain)
My best
k

[pyro]

Just to add more info to this thread...

JavaScript would also have it's advantages...Such as once you make the script, modifying it to display different images could be as easy as changing the values of an array. If you use an animated .gif, you would need to re-make the animated .gif each time. I'm not saying it's hard to make .gifs, but if you are going to be changing the pictures often, JavaScript be might nice. Also, like I stated before, there is no need to alienate non-javascript users. Simply make sure you program correctly so that if javascript is disabled, the original image will still be displayed. They won't even know what they are missing. On the other hand, if it is important that the images rotate, use a .gif, it is the safest bet.

Cheers... :D

[joanne]

Wooo-hooo!! Looks like I’ve started the liveliest thread this side of I dunno what.

What an honour for a girl to meet both the Supreme Master of the Web AND the all encompassing Supreme Being.. I always knew you guys were out there, now I know where you are!!

First to K, thank you dear one for being so gracious again to offer to walk me thru this.
I have had my history with Javascript, I got a big ol’ textbook sitting right here making a good door stop. I can look at the stuff and ya, it looks familiar, but my confidence in it stinks.
To try to follow it, to me is like trying to unweave a matted up ball of string.

Now mention anything that has “photo" or "paint” in it, and my eyes light up.
That I can SEE and it doesn’t use those horribly intimidating terms like “variable” and “function” and all that stuff that made me opt for the math 201 class.
Maybe it’s a left brain, right brain thang. I am certainly not mentioning hair color

And then FLASH, well... that sound like even more fun!!

It just so happens that I down loaded PSP just the other day, so I am sure I will be playing very shortly.

However afraid that I will never out run the brain cramp of the picaso-esque Javascript, I dare I must face it. So if we can hook up sometime, well, I’ll give it a go.

My next question is this.. would pictures done in either the Javascript , PSP or the Flash be friendlier to a larger variety of browsers than the others?

Also Pyro mentioned regarding JS .

It just won't rotate the graphic

What do you mean by “rotate"?

Thanks oddles,
You guys are a hoot,
I’m enjoying this BB already

JO

:D :D :D

[pyro]

Originally posted by joanne
What do you mean by “rotate"?I mean that with javascript disabled, you will see the first image, but no others.

Originally posted by joanne
It just so happens that I down loaded PSP just the other dayPSP has a companion program that comes with it called Animation Shop. It will work wonderfully for your animated .gifs.

Originally posted by joanne
would pictures done in either the Javascript , PSP or the Flash be friendlier to a larger variety of browsersAnimated .gifs should work in (practiacally) every browser. That will be the most browser friendly way for you to go.

[khaki]

What an honour for a girl to meet both the Supreme Master of the Web AND the all encompassing Supreme Being.. I always knew you guys were out there, now I know where you are!!

Hey! You’re stealing my lines Jo! But, that's OK. You fired-off some great lines to prove to me that your the real deal. YES! Another girl in here with a bit of passion. I feel an alliance forming here Jo... and I hear some groans from the old-guard already (lol!).

First to K, thank you dear one for being so gracious again to offer to walk me thru this.
I have had my history with Javascript, I got a big ol’ textbook sitting right here making a good door stop. I can look at the stuff and ya, it looks familiar, but my confidence in it stinks.
To try to follow it, to me is like trying to unweave a matted up ball of string.

Let the string do the doorstopping duties Jo - the javascript books needs to be nearby. Mine (3 old war horses) are all within throwing distance and they all possess broken spines. I fought them early-on (I'm a VBA / VBScripter who had to learn a whole new and twisted syntax), but eventually you find some warm and comfortable functions that keep you coming back for more. Think of it as one of those gotta-have bad boys: it makes your life miserable and complicated, but it's a heck of a lot more exciting than plain old HTLM (wink).

Now mention anything that has “photo” in it, and my eyes light up.
That I can SEE and it doesn’t use those horribly intimidating terms like “variable” and “function” and all that stuff that made me opt for the math 201 class.
Maybe it’s a left brain, right brain thang. I am certainly not mentioning hair color

Oh. Then you are probably VERY ready for animated GIFs. Sorry for underestimating your learning-curve potential. And hmmmm. I'll let the guys address the hair color comment (although they've probably already checked-out of this room and high-tailed it for the XML boards or something by now (lol).

And then FLASH, well... that sound like even more fun!!
It just so happens that I down loaded PSP just the other day, so I am sure I will be playing very shortly.

Yeah, you're the design type. No wonder you have such an aversion to the back-end scripting side. Your animated GIF needs should probably be satisfied by PSP. You must belong to a pretty high-end church (lol).

However afraid that I will never out run the brain cramp of the picaso-esque Javascript, I dare I must face it. So if we can hook up sometime, well, I’ll give it a go.

Please Jo... Javascript creates some of my greatest misery while I sit at my PC.
Pablo Picasso however, has provided some of the most mesmerizing and beautiful visions I have ever been blessed to see in the form of "Portrait de Francoise" http://www.artnet.com/magazine/features/sichel/Images/picasso5s.jpg and
"Maternity" http://www.art.com/asp/sp.asp?PD=10032663&RFID=864458
These touch me deeply.
I'd love to hook up with you for a little power-Javascript session, but lets pin the curse of Javascript on a more worthy recipient. Someone like Andy Warhol perhaps.

My next question is this.. would pictures done in either the Javascript , PSP or the Flash be friendlier to a larger variety of browsers than the others?
Also Pyro mentioned regarding JS .
quote:It just won't rotate the graphic
What do you mean by “rotate"?

Pyro has already addressed that for you. He's been a big help on this thread. Thanks Pyro! (wink).

Well, I'm sorry that I missed you earlier this evening Jo (I was around until like 6:30-7:00 eastern, I think). Then I got a call from a friend to go riding (hunter/jumper) and the prospect of de-bugging Javascript code lost some of it's appeal for me. The riding was great though (indoors - although it was c-o-l-d!!!). But it's so beautiful to hear the horse breath and to see his breath explode into giants puffs of white. Wooo, now that's a rush!

So OK Jo, maybe we can try again tomorrow. Email me if you want to try to arrange a time. I think it would be fun working on this with you. And even though the guys are always so helpful and everything - us girls have got to stick together (lol). I'm glad you joined the group. I'll keep an eye out for you on the boards.

Goodnite (oh, it's morning already. Ugh)
k

(and thanks again for all of your input Pyro! and I really like the look of your home page)

[pyro]

Originally posted by khaki
(and thanks again for all of your input Pyro! and I really like the look of your home page) Thank you much. :)

Not hard to tell when women are on the forums. I think these are some of the longest posts I've seen. :D It's nice to see some girls pluggin' away at this, though... Keep it up.

[jpmoriarty]

blooming heck, you go away for a few days and you get back and have to spend an hour reading things just to catch up...

dont get me wrong, I do like my odd bit of javascript. I too believe that its one of the things thats here to stay etc etc. However, my objection to it in this case was that it's simply not needed, and using animated gifs would be (IMHO) a better option. And yes I also agree that pulling apart others scripts is a good way to learn, but i thought that it was almost like getting off on the wrong foot if you spent a day or two learning your way around someone else's code to eventually get this to work, when it didnt need to be done.

ANd yes, as animated gif support is inherent in most browsers, that'll be by far the most supporterd option.

Right i'll try and get back here sooner next time so that i can maybe answer som equestinos before they all get answered by someone else. Have a good day!

[joanne]

Hello Supreme ones,

If the long posts are too much just wait until we start making everything pink and flowery.

I do think these smiles need to get better use as well!!
Poor things are gonna have a complex!!!
:) :p :rolleyes: :eek: :cool: :D :p

Thanks again for being so welcoming.
You do know that once you feed a stray mutt it will always darken your doorstep.

Be prepared for a barrage of more greenhorn questions.

ok, I'll let you roll along to some more stimulating room, now.
Something with many really long strings of numbers perhaps and bizare puter jargon.

JO

[esher2292]

give us the address of the website