The Humanization of Computers and The Code They Speak With

I'm an artist. A graphic artist. I only build websites because that's where my industry is focused. I'm thus forced into the world of programming. (So I'm a programmer? Eeeww!) This is the main source of my career frustration - being an artist at heart but creating through the writing of code. Just a little counter-intuitive.

Here's an amusing anecdote from something that happened to me yesterday:

The challenge was to create a "BUY" link button by having a red rectangle with white type inside. Rather than delve into detail, let's just say that I found the place in the style sheet where I could write in "rectangle=red, type=white". (It was black with white type originally, so all I had to do was write in "red" where the word "black" was. EASY switch!)

Then I went back to my word "BUY" and framed it with the code that would tell it how to act. Essentially, [red button] BUY [/red button].

No go. No red button no matter what I did. It stayed the original black. VERY frustrating! Just another WTF Moment in the life of an artist-turned-programmer. I tried every kind of troubleshooting I could think of, and then went to Google to search for the problem. That takes a while when you don't know exactly where the problem is. But I'll get to the point.

THE FIX:
I had to insert the snippet "!important" into the line of the style sheet - and BINGO, it worked.

!important ??? What are some of the alternatives? !whenever-you-have-time ?? Or !if-its-not-too-much-trouble ?? Or !you-better-or-I'll-kick-your-ass ??

This PROVES that Computers have Evolved! You can't just make a simple change and have it accept it without question. You have to let it know that the change is !important for it to take effect.

Those of you who think that computer programming is some cut and dry, boring, unimaginative, pocket-protecting head space, let me tell you - you are mistaken. It requires a certain level of tact and understanding. Like any relationship.

Perhaps next time I should try " !please " ...

What is "valid" web code?

  
Seen these icons? This is what they mean:

In the context of websites, valid code means that the (x)html is error free in syntax. (x)html is a computer language. All languages have their own grammar, vocabulary and syntax. Validation does not refer to the content, but rather that the mark-up of the page meets the basic requirements for industry standards.

What does Validation do?
Some claim that validation helps to increase traffic and improve rankings with search engines. Not necessarily so. That's like saying that a car with a smooth running motor will attract riders and turn heads. Mechanics would certainly take notice, and if you needed a dependable ride, such a car would likely get you where you're going. But it doesn't stand to reason that you'll get there in style. Thus, validation is the declaration that it is indeed, a well-oiled machine. What is DONE with it is another matter.

Why is Validation important?
Valid web code helps browsers know how to render the page. If the web code contains errors in syntax, then browsers are left to guess what the programmer probably meant by the inclusion or ommission of an element. Therefore, an error in syntax can result in an error in rendering the page. While browsers are smart about some things, I personally wouldn't leave the rendering of a layout open for interpretation by a piece of software.

How do you check Validation?
The World Wide Web Consortium has a free validation service. Simply enter a URI and it checks the syntax for errors, returning a "red light" or "green light" indication of whether the page passed the test.

So, when you see these icons, it means that the web developer took the extra time to ensure that what's under the hood is running optimally. In web design, just like with fancy cars, no one likes a poser.