Web Design with HTML, CSS, JavaScript and jQuery Set

Studying BSc in Computing (1st year) and decided to purchase my own copy of Jon Duckett's "HTML & CSS". I purchased the most recent edition available, and though I hadn't considered "JavaScript & JQuery", I decided to get this one too because I've been struggling to absorb JavaScript and JQuery during class and wasn't really engaging with the material on my own. Needless to say, both texts have been incredibly helpful - they stand as the most gorgeous textbooks I have ever read. As a visual learner, the graphics and overall presentation assist my understanding of the subject. Usually, textbooks are cramped and dull-looking, like the author and publisher don't seem to realise that a textbook can be informative AND easy on the eyes. However, when it comes to Jon Duckett, his textbooks just scream 'Designer!' and you can't help but look at them over and over, an addiction more than conducive to learning about web design. Also, what I love the most about these textbooks is how the subject is constantly broken down into small, bite-size paragraphs, diagrams, and columns. The amount of white space is just right, and his explanations and instructions are so clear and approachable that anyone could pick this up without feeling like they're out of their depth or accidentally drowning in academic territory. Actually, to sound even more like a fan girl, it honestly feels cool to be reading these textbooks, which is not something most students can claim about any textbook at all. IN FACT, it's almost like Duckett has anticipated what would happen if you went to school with his textbooks. Does he want someone with a love for web design to get beaten up because his textbooks looked boring? No, he doesn't. What he wants is for that group of bullies to take one simple glance at his textbooks and wonder who the hell is this cool kid, and since when did Vogue start publishing web design textbooks? And learning JavaScript is a lot more interesting through Duckett than W3C. Duckett provides you with working examples of code as he takes you through different stages of web design, as well as providing relevant background on good web design practice and the reason why code is used in certain ways. I am slowly working through "JavaScript & JQuery", so I can't say yet how well he has gone through the subject, but again, the textbook is visually stunning and bound to be a lifesaver when you're rushing to recall how websites are written. Any cons to this purchase? Not many. The delivery was beyond prompt: I received my delivery after 2 business days, and being a customer from Ireland, that is saying something. While Duckett can repeat himself at times (most prominent in "JavaScript & JQuery"), this is not enough to pick a bone with the books. For the price, you're getting a good deal and their implementation gives off a heady scent of 'customer service' - something else not many students can claim about textbooks. As for the cheap binding issue some reviewers have mentioned... wasn't a problem. Treat textbooks with respect and they won't fall apart. Laminate the covers. Don't bend them or fold the pages. Simple.

Although it is two volumes it is in effect 4 books. They cover respectively HTML, CSS, Javascript and the final one covers extensions such as JQuery, Ajax and a few more specific odds and ends. Each book takes you logically through each individual instruction and why you might want to use it. One reads many books which show you how to build a really wonderful web site, however it is the web site they want to use for illustration and it is not your web site. In doing that they make good choices but the reader is not necessarily aware of what choices are being made or why but they do end up with a wonderful looking web site. In these books the examples are simple and boring but are designed to show exactly how each instruction might be used. The books not only give the information but they do so in a way that lends itself to be used as a reference subsequently. If you have created a web site but it somehow doesn't behave as you would expect, these books will point you in the right direction to find out why and show you how you might solve the problem. Gripes: The books were written in 2014 so they are not really up to date and I found nothing on media queries ( useful for dealing with web pages viewed on devices of different sizes). In Javascript the coverage of the Math object was very limited and there was no list of the functions available in the Math object but that is really for where you want a web page to do calculations, which is probably an unusual requirement. I think that you would need to be pretty expert to not want to have these books for reference. Buy the set. Pay the extra for the hard cover versions because once you have read them you will be referring to them continuously.

A highly organized beginner's guide to HTML and CSS, featuring well-illustrated examples for effective learning. While not intended as a reference manual, I've found this guide to be an incredibly valuable point of reference for beginners, surpassing even the comprehensive reference books. This resource is designed to equip you with a strong foundational understanding of HTML and CSS, covering nearly all fundamental principles in a clear and concise manner. Jon Duckett's "JavaScript and jQuery" is a brilliantly crafted and intellectually stimulating tome, offering a comprehensive step-by-step approach to essential concepts for beginners. Covering a wide range of topics, from executing a GET request to refining the intricacies of your website's login form, this book guides you through every crucial detail. The book's layout follows a contemporary design, exuding a modern aesthetic that draws you in and piques your curiosity. While it's often advised not to judge a book by its cover, this particular gem defies the norm, boasting an exquisite cover that perfectly complements the captivating content within its pages.

These books are a fantastic way to learn web development, the Javascript book in particular is amazing as it covers a lot but in a very intuitive order. The books structure is akin to building blocks that can be used to make a progressively sophisticated site as required. The presentation is excellent and easy to follow with detailed explanations od code snippets and a worked example at the end of each chapter that is accompanied by a great website that can be used to download all code or just play around with it right there on the page. It also makes very good reference and I find myself going back to it constantly, particulalry to see where and when techniques or libraries might be used. The content of the book is 5 star, however I remove 1 star for one reason; whilst the quality of the print is fantastic the paper (or is it ink?) chosen isn't great as touching any of the black pages immediatly leaves a finger print and attempting to clean makes it worse as it actually removes the ink. The binding of the book also seems weak and overall the book won't last long term use as reference. Pros: Clear, concise and well presented source that is great for learning and reference Cons: Poor printing choice that requires careful handling

These books are just perfect. Both of them. Almost all essential topics are covered. Now, I'm not saying there are no better books out there to learn HTML, CSS and Javascript nowadays (2018). But the books just read so easily, and all topics are beautifully illustrated and presented with example code. Some people call these books reference books. I certainly don't. Because of the way the topics are presented (short, to the point, and lots of example code) this book should be read from start to finish. Read it on the train, on the toilet, in your bed... You will finish them in no time. And everything in there is essential to all web developers. Note: The books (especially the one on HTML and CSS) are slightly outdated in the sense that they warn you about features not fully supported by all major browsers back then. You can probably ignore these remarks a bit more than before. In the case of Javascript, these features are often implemented with a workaround (fallback code). These techniques are still valid today.

At first glance these two books by Jon Duckett could easily pass as brochures for sun lounges or the latest S or V-Class autos, such is the attention paid to presentation. However, beneath the colour printing, layout, extensive use of glossy, colourful pictures and diagrams, together with high quality paper, there is real substance to both books. Indeed, there is a message simply in the quality of presentation proffered by these books - quality presentation counts as much, if not more, for websites as it does for books. Jon Duckett not only fills the eye pleasing pages of these books with lucid and detailed explanations as to how HTML, CSS, JavaScript and jQuery work - backed up with useful historical background information regarding the ongoing development of these computer languages - but supplies plenty of examples that you can easily apply to your websites. Indeed, what some sites seem to achieve via one of those colossal bootstrap CSS thingamajigs you could easily get simply by applying a handful of the HTML/CSS/JavaScript and jQuery methods he details in these books. Communicating complex computer coding is no easy task but the author has an easy, clear style that takes nothing for granted and, by virtue of this, manages to make everything seem just a little bit more comprehensible than you may find elsewhere. These books have a wealth of useful content because they are all about style...Styling great looking websites, that is!

Despite being fairly competent in HTML through building sites in the late 90's, CSS, Javascript and Jquery on the other hand is new ground. I have been battling over 'An Idiots Guide' and 'For Dummies' publications for the past few months and tinkering around with CSS but I was not getting anywhere fast. (Please don't waste your time buying anything other than this set) Duckett has made these publications so clear to follow, explaining things in a clear informative manner. The layout of the book is designed in such beauty and clarity, it is not only a great reference book but also an absolute Joy to read. The first book was finished in 2 evenings. I even left a little note in all the library books I borrowed concerning HTML & CSS and told the next reader to buy this set. (don't worry it was on a post-it note) I'm now ready for Javascript and CSS and enthusiastically confident I shall pick it up with ease. Highly recommended for beginners, and a perfect reference for season pro's.

I really like the format of these books. They're jam packed with wonderful info. The only thing that may put others off is the fact that they are a little out of date. Google is your friend though and will walk you through any parts that make no sense. For example I tried three different browsers none of which have a "file" at the top but they do have three dots. Also to "view source" it's in developer tools or simply press f12. This said I've found no issues with the code nor the techniques (I will update if I do). To be honest I find it more enjoyable this way rather than having it all handed to you. I like finding my own discoveries and searching out information. It helps keep me engaged. In short these are brilliant books but make sure you have extra time for some googling just in case.

Very good

Fast delivery and exactly as described

This set of books is a winner. They motivate the visual learner to engage and store information into their long term memory. Pros: #1 Content is Great for Beginners, yet even advance developers can learn from these books - if anything, use it as a colorful reference book. #2 This is a MUST HAVE for visual learners... over time, visually geared developers simply get tired of reading black and white content for years... As a result, I usually take online developer courses with videos because it is easier to digest, but sometimes, I really want something tangible that I can hold in my hands and refer back too. Who says picture books are just for kids?! #3 Hardcover - I went ahead and purchased the hardcover as I heard the horror stories of other customers having complications with their JavaScript & JQuery paperbacks falling apart. I felt awful that my fellow developers went through that and did everything in my power to mitigate that risk through purchasing a hardcover. #4 Text is Very Readable - This might vary per person, but in my opinion, the text is absolutely readable. There is NO eye strain for me, I can make out everything on these pages, and will not need a magnified glass. Now, if you are battling an eye condition, on some pages - you may need a magnified glass, as some of the text in the photos of the browsers are small...but for those with great eyesight, this really shouldn't be a problem for you. Bilberry helps with the eye strain I have gotten in the pass after hours of computer coding. Coders in general should take care of their eyes. #5 Magazine-like, Full Color Pages #6 Both Books Come with Online Support at Their Individual Websites. The websites are great companions to these books. #7 Everyday Spoken Language - In other words, although these books could definitely be used as textbooks, they don't "read" like textbooks. #8 Everything is Broken Down into Steps - Concepts are introduced step by step in small increments...then are built upon as continuous building blocks thereafter. Concepts don't just come out of nowhere, you will be prepared before you are introduced to something new. This may make this series "slow" for some people, but we must remember... I don't think Mr. Duckett wrote these books to be an all inclusive understanding of Front-End Development; rather a basis so that you can get off the ground running and as an introduction to other front-end developer literature. Cons: Will have to find some, then will update, but so far, none. But I'm not a nit-picker either so I generally ignore things I consider not to be hardships or plain frivolously... as some people just complain because it's not against the law! That's my 2 cents.

Estou adorando meus livros. Além de serem muito bonitos, a disposição do conteúdo é muito bem elaborada e deixa a leitura super fácil e agradável. Não tenho muitos conhecimentos no assunto, então posso dizer que para iniciantes é excelente. Gostaria de deixar meu elogio para a entrega extremamente rápida. Comprei em um dia e no outro já estava com os livros em mãos. Apenas duas observações negativas: o material das páginas, apesar de gostar muito visualmente, com o manuseio, as páginas escuras ficam cheias de marcas de dedos. Inclusive, quando comecei a ler percebi que já haviam sido manuseados e já possuiam tais marcas deixadas por outra pessoa, além de um pequeno rasgo que se estendendeu por 7 páginas de um dos livros. Certamente, tais rasgos não atrapalharão a leitura, mas para quem gosta de livros, sabe-se que isso causa um certo incômodo. No mais, estou bastante satisfeita.

全編英語。 しかしこの本は中身がビジュアル的に美しいので、見るのがわくわくする感じがする。これは案外大事なことだ（やる気を左右するからね。それに、単なるインテリアとしてもいい）。 説明も、完全に細かく網羅しようというよりは要点を簡潔にまとめようとしている。見開き２ページに一つのテーマがおさまるように配慮されている。 細かい技術的説明は、白っぽいページに小さい字で書いてある。 ソースコードに番号が振ってあって、この行ではこんなことをやろうとしている、といったスタイルで簡潔に書いてあり読みやすい。