Web Design with Html, Css, JavaScript and jQuery Set Paperback – 8 July 2014

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!

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.

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.

Well-written books, definitely good for referring back to once you know but just can't quite remember something exactly.He lays it out beautifully, and it progresses through the content nicely, and not too quickly as to overload you.I'm definitely happy I bought these instead of some of the others that I was considering, which look like jargon tomes.However, I had two slight issues:1) He recaps things (which is good), but sometimes you aren't entirely sure if he is recapping something, showing it in a different way, or if it is actually some new content. This could be my fault for not paying close enough attention though!2) Some practical examples as you are going through would possibly help the reader to learn how to apply the content quicker. Just something along the lines "Do this now, and then try to create this, using these expressions/techniques etc; if you are struggling, then the correct answer is on the website" would perhaps be helpful. I get that this wouldn't be so helpful in a reference book, but maybe just put it in a separate section, and link to it at the end of every new skill the reader has learnt.But, as I say, they are only slight issues. As a book to learn from and show you things... GREAT =)

Great easy to follow guides for those new to front end.