Many people have, and still often ask me about the difference between the Internet and the World Wide Web. And consistently, my favorite answer to the question has always been to define both; so that the inquisitor could see the difference by himself or herself. Therefore, before delving into my review object, “Webmaster In A Nutshell”, it is my wish to briefly define both the Internet and the World Wide Web.
Simply put, the Internet is the global collection of both networks and gateways, all of which use a suite of protocols, (i.e. the TCP/IP: which means Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol), to communicate amongst themselves. On the other hand, the World Wide Web refers to those set of interlinked hypertext documents, which are physically stored in HTTP servers in every part of the world. (Note that the acronym, HTTP, stands for Hypertext Transfer Protocol. And hypertext documents are those stuffs that we simply call web pages when we view and/or use them).
Meanwhile, “Webmaster In A Nutshell” is a condensed website construction reference textbook. The true beauty of this book lies in the fact that it neatly condenses the contents of five huge text volumes into a single compendium. If at all you like building websites—be it on amateur or on a professional level, there is a place for you in this book.
Before telling you the nice things about this book, let me firstly point out its biggest drawback. That is: since early 2003 when the 3rd edition hit market stalls, there has not been any new update. Being a bestseller, I had frankly expected a revised newer edition since 2006: and we are already past half of 2009 now. I really don’t know the reason why the authors are still hesitating. Although this 3rd edition is still very much useful, there have been a number of new developments in the web arena—since it hit stores in 2003. Apart from this, there is no other significant complaint to lodge regarding this book. It is far from being perfect; but could confidently be classified as very good.
"Webmaster in a Nutshell" is one of those few books that completely analyzed all the contemporary web technologies that we all use today: JavaScript, Apache, XML, XSLT, HTML, HTTP, PHP, CSS, and CGI. This book will benefit any web-developer (or enthusiast) who pays close attention to it. Most of the chapters have been revised, and additional updates embraced JavaScript, PHP, Apache, and CSS. The book's wide coverage makes it a dependable mini-reference text for anyone that forages online.
Please, note that the scope of this book does not include teaching readers how to develop and maintain a Web site. It is not an introductory web design text. Rather, its predilection is to put all the essential commands, syntax information, and related knowledge where readers can find and use them quickly. It is a terrific illustrative, which succinctly ramified the HTML, CGI, HTTP, JavaScript, and server configurations. Each section begins with a brief overview of the topic parameters. This is then followed by a series of well-organized lists, charts, and other reminders to help readers find a little-used command as well as any forgotten bit of information.
Any web designer or developer (whether amateur or pro) who invests in this book would not have any reason to regret such a decision. What this reference does is to literally put all the day-to-day needed information in one easy-to-locate place. It saves its users both the time and the effort required in keeping separate references on HTML, CSS, XML, JavaScript, CGI/Perl, HTTP, PHP, Apache functions, and so on.
It is well-written, elaborate but straight-to-the-point, and makes a pleasurable read. Indeed, my in-depth appreciation for this book is one reason why I look forward to seeing a new edition of it. It encompasses much vital info in a concise format that I really can’t wait to lay hands on a recently revised edition—bearing the very latest occurrences in the web front.
Even as I continue to expect the much-awaited 4th edition, I will still not hesitate in recommending this 3rd edition to anybody who wishes to have his or her web reference collection in a single volume. The 560 pages of this medium-sized reference contain every ingredient, which web designers, programmers, and/or developers need in order to effectively execute their daily chores. I really can’t praise this book enough—despite the fact that I continue to frown at the delay in ushering-in an updated version.
VALENTINE ODUENYI.
