HTML topics

[Malcolm Bull]

I'm quite happy creating HTML pages, but I have a need to be able to incorporate smaller documents into several larger documents.  Much like the <IMG> tag brings in images, is there an HTML tag which will bring a small piece of text into a bigger page?  This would avoid my having to hold (and update) several copies of pieces of text which I use more than once on my websites.

Does that make sense?

I want to avoid using PHP / Javascript and similar tools if I possibly can.

Malcolm Bull

[Chasing-fireflies]

I shall ask my husband for you when he finishes work as he makes web sites for himself and for the RAF so when it comes to all things like that he knows what he is on about. I know he encountered a similar problem but found a way round it. What program are you using to make the pages?
 

[Chasing-fireflies]

Apparently, from what you have said, he says you are using a different program to what he uses and the process is extremely complicated to explain without actually showing you. He did say however that you may find references to what you need on the web and there may be another program you could use rather then java script. Sorry could not be of any help this time.
 

[Berlin-Bob]

Hi Badgirl,

Very intriguing !!

When I saw your first reply, I was hoping to see a simple answer here, because as far as I know, there is no way in a purely HTML environment to include other files.

PHP, yes, it's just one line <? include("./file.php") ?>
Javasoft I don't know, so I can't comment.

RootsChat webspace can 'do' PHP so that would be no problem, but I don't want to use it, as I regularly burn my website onto CD, along with details of living family members, for distribution just within the family. A PHP solution wouldn't be feasible here.

Can't you persuade your husband to give us a few more details, ....   please ?
 
Bob

[Chasing-fireflies]

Ok, i am relaying all info over the phone as he is currently on detachment but he says he need more details of what it is you actually want to do. He is confused by the "purely HTML envronment" remark as the program he uses converts his work into HTML automatically once he has finished. He says what exactly do you want to do as from what you say it sounds like hyperlinking to another page? Then he says you cant possibly mean that as thats far too simple. He also says its always a good idea to put it onto disc, providing its under 700mb and will fit, as a back up.
 


He asks, when you make your own pages for the family do you use microsoft frontpage?

[Berlin-Bob]

Hi Badgirl,

what I need, and what I understand Malcolm would like, is a facility,  to include another HTML block within an HTML page, without having to copy it into the page.

For instance, my navigation links bar is the same on every page on my site, so it would be nice to be able to write this block of HTML code once, and store it in a file, and then include it in each page, by referring somehow to this file.
At the moment, I have to copy this block of code onto each and every page, so if I change a link, I have to change every page.


I use a normal text editor to create my pages.

For "purely HTML environment" read plain HTML i.e. no PHP, PERL or JavaScript.

Bob

ps please thank your husband for me.

[Chasing-fireflies]

Ok he says you are going hard way round it. He says what you need is microsoft front page as this has a built in HTML text editor. He says that using HTML always sounds impressive but what you need is the web site build option too. *this is where i get lost*, Microsoft front page has an easier web building option which automatically writes the HTML code for you. You can build the site on your computer and use the launch option to upload onto the site of choice.This will copy onto whichever server you choose. You need to use the build option and create a links menu and ALL pages contained within the links menu can be redirected back to whenever requested, therefore having to only build each page once.Microsoft front page gives you more flexibility and therefore cuts out the need to use complicated programs which are not the easiest to use for this type of thing and depending on the need, can be VERY expensive!
Does this help at all?
 

P.S you can also then turn this into a data disc which will open using IE.

[Berlin-Bob]

Hi Badgirl,

thank him for me, but it's not a route I want to go. 

I deliberately stopped using Frontpage because of the bloated HTML and the changes it kept making (it has it's own ideas of what you want to do).

I have tried various other programs and editors, and on the whole, I am happiest with a programmer's text editor.

Thanks again,
Bob

[Chasing-fireflies]

Well when i speak to him next i shall tell him to get his thinking cap on. He did say that it was one of the probs with HTML writing that you sometimes have to keep writing codes which is time consuming. He said if you look round on the internet you will find something to graphically display a solution for HTML but it usually involves using things like you have already mentioned.
Sorry could not be of more help but Malcolm joined a GEEK FORUM to see if anyone knew anything on those as they use HTML more frequently.
Karren