This book follows a few typographical conventions that you should be familiar with before proceeding. A new term is set in italics the first time it is introduced. There will often be a short definition of the term nearby. Program text, functions, variables, and other "computer language" are set in a fixed-pitch font. In regular text, it will also be a dark blue color for example, when mentioning the property margin or a value like 10px. Code blocks are set entirely in a fixed-pitch font. Any blue text within a code block indicates a change to the code from its previous state. Most code blocks show only a fragment of the overall document or style sheet, with the lines to be changed (or inserted) surrounded by unchanged text. This extra text provides a sense of context, making it easier to find the part you need to change if you're following along with the text. Here is an example: <head> <title>Cleveland Eats: Matsu</title> <style type="text/css"> /* temporary styles */ table {border: 2px solid red; margin: 3px;} td {border: 1px dotted purple; padding: 2px;} </style> </head> Every computer book has its own style of presenting information. As you flip through this book, you'll notice that it has an interesting layout. Here are the layout conventions:
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Warning
Finally, at the end of each project you will find a section titled "Branching Out." This will present three short exercises that invite you to try modifying the finished project in certain ways. These "branches" are certainly not the end of what you can do, but they may help you start experimenting with the concepts presented in the project. Think of them as jumping-off points for your own design ideas and also as interesting challenges in their own right. If you can match the illustrations with your own styles, you'll be well on your way to writing creative CSS of your own. |