The most basic programming language for website design is HTML. If you have any familiarity with website design, then you have probably used this language before. If, however, you want to move beyond the basic options that HTML offers, then you will need to consider other programming languages that can create dynamic websites.
Using XHTML
XHTML is a more advanced, dynamic programming language that combines the benefits of HTML and XML. Although very similar to HTML, XHTML works with a wider range of browsers and devices. It also gives designers more control over a page’s elements. If you know HTML, then you should find that you can learn XHTML quickly. There are a few significant differences in the way that the tags are written, but they really are quite similar. A simple tutorial should get you up to speed with XHTML if you already know how to use HTML.
Using PHP to Design Websites
Many professional website designers use PHP. PHP is a good option for those who want to build interactive sites. If, for instance, you need a site to accept order forms from customers, then you should consider using PHP. PHP was a breakthrough language that has become common these days. Without the advances of PHP, the Internet would not offer nearly as many interactive sites. Even popular sites like eBay and Facebook would not work properly.
Using Flash to Make Websites
If you need to design a graphics-intensive website that contains lots of animation, then consider using Adobe Flash. Technically, this isn’t a website design language. Rather, it is design software. Some designers rely on it so much, though, that it basically takes the place of a programming language. When using Flash, it’s smart to keep a couple of things in mind. First, not all users have Flash on their computers. Second, search engines cannot “read” Flash’s images, so you should include keyword-rich text on the page to improve its ranking.