Webmaster in a Nutshell, Deluxe Edition [With *]

As a programmer, I am often asked what books someone should buy to learn HTML and web programming. My suggestion is to buy this book and view the source code of sites you like. This book has quick reference to all aspects of web scripting in a very concise manner - it is short, quick and without all the fluff. It is the only book you will still use even after you've learned scripting.

My first comments are directed at the book "Webmaster in a Nutshell". The book alone is money well spent. At your fingertips you have HTML, CGI, HTTP, JavaScript, and Server Configuration quick references. I used this book while designing new pages for my website and found that every question I could pose was answered. Some of the features that I found exceptionally useful in the HTML section were the browser comparison charts and the character entities chart. The CGI section is broken down in easy to understand categories, making your search for information a breeze. The overview at the beginning of the section is also a very good refresher or introduction. If you ever wondered what those pesky HTTP error codes mean, such as the infamous "Error 404 - Not Found". The HTTP section is the place to find out. The JavaScript section like the CGI section is very well organized with excellent explanations and examples. The Server Configuration section has sections for Unix based servers, (i.e. Apache, CERN), as well as Windows based servers, (i.e. Website for Windows95 and Windows NT server). A section on Netscape server configuration is also included. My thought on the book is that it is a "must have". Then O'Reilly goes and makes it the Deluxe edition by adding the Web Developer's library on CD-ROM. On this CD you have electronic access to Webmaster in a Nutshell, plus four other outstanding books. The books included on the CD are: HTML: The Definitive Guide, 2nd Edition., JavaScript: The Definitive Guide, 2nd Edition., CGI Programming on the World Wide Web, Programming Perl, 2nd Edition., and Webmaster in a Nutshell. Not only can you read them, they have dynamic search engines that make finding the right section a snap. I could write a book singing the praises of this CD, or at least a very long short story. Suffice it to say that each book is outstanding in its own right and their inclusion in this package makes Deluxe Edition Webmaster in a Nutshell a deal to good to pass up.