Starting Web Development and interactive experiences

Question

I'm new to web development and I'm a bit confused about the different languages and technologies in the web. I understand the basic is Html, Javascript, and Css. Then there's jQuery, ASP.net, Html5. I'm confused where I should use each technology and which should I use. For example, here is a video of a WPF application that I built:

WPF app demo

The app is essentially for students, teaching some lessons. The student can choose a lesson, and listen and see images. The student can also test himself. As you can see, the app has some animation and stlying If I were to attempt at building this application for the web- where should I start from and what should I use? HTML5 (Canvas?), jQuery (jQueryUI?), ASP.net?

I would really appreciate it if you can help me. Thanks!

Answer 1

Quick overview:

• HTML is your mark up language. This is how you render the basic content (I believe its similar to XAML). This is where you define the content
• CSS is your styling language. Here you defines what styles to apply to elements. This is where you define the look and feel of your application.
• JavaScript is the client side scripting language. This is where you manipulate html in the browser. It's used for events, animations and general ui wizardy.

As for ASP.NET it's just a server-side implementation. There are many (django, RoR, PHP, node.js, etc, etc).

As for jQuery it's a library for JavaScript that gives you free cross-browser support and jQuery UI is a UI library written for jQuery that makes it easier to place UI elements on your page.

HTML5 is a buzzword for the latest HTML based techniques. There are many of these and they a re varied. The modernizr download page shows a nice overview of HTML5 features.

HTML5 Canvas is a way to place a grid on the screen you can render to through pixel manipulation.

• amitairos: I see. Thanks for clearing that up. So where should I start if I want to build that app in the web?
• Raynos: @amitairos if your interested in any specific technology feel free to ask.
• amitairos: @Raynos I'm trying to understand how to build interactive web experiences like the app in the video. Where should I start from and what should I learn?
• Raynos: @amitairos Learn html/css/js Learn ASP.NET MVC Learn Raphael
• amitairos: @Raynos thanks. What is the Learn Raphael and how will it help me? Also, should I/Do I have to- use ASP.net (or other server side languages) for this? Why?