File Structure-websites

[gcp310]

Hi everyone,
Can anyone explain to me the basics to file structure to websites?

When i look into the Netfirms site that i have an account with there are a number of files and so forth.

Is there a basic structure to websites?

Thanks

G

[superjari]

Usually the first file is called index, but there are no real rules for it, just make sure it is easy for you, also using folders, it should be easy for you, because the viewers of the site do not really use it anyway as you make the links to the different pages, they don't care what the name of the file or directory is...

[CADTutor]

For ease, I always try to match the folder structure to the web site structure. For example, on the CADTutor web site there are 4 main areas to choose from, AutoCAD, Digital Design, Web Building and Image Bank. The top directory contains a file "index.html", the home page and four folders, acad, dd, wb and ibank - one for each section.

That's a slight over simplification (CADTutor is a complex site) but it illustrates the point.

[Mr T]

I would write them down or type up the structure and hierarchy. As you expand you may struggle to keeptrack.

As CADTUTOR advises setup a folder for each area and then say images within each. I always upload images then type up the pages whilst online. That way you can gaurantee the image url is perfect.

Cheers

Nick

PS do not do what i do and run a website with frontapge express it's crazy ! :twisted: :roll: :cry:

[gcp310]

So, am i right in saying that you dont need individual folders for images,photogallery per page and that Keep It Simple is they way to go?

Thanks For your replys, clears up some things for me.

[CADTutor]

Keep it simple, yes but you also need to think ahead and how the site might develop in the future - you need to make the folder structure flexible enough to cope with an expanding site. Also, as Mr.T says, keep images in a subfolder called "images" - this just keeps everything neat and tidy.

Before you now it things are well out of hand. The CADTutor web site contains 195 folders and 2,107 files - today!

[gcp310]

The purpose of this site i am working on is my on line resume/portfolio.
i have gone thru netfims with their free web hosting.
here is a basic layout of the files i have at the moment.

www>(index.htm)
past projects>images
2d>images
3d>images
renderings>images
Personal>images
links>images

now, do i need an images file for logos and rollovers for the index .htm page? also i have the home page nearly to how i want it. i then went save as to the [ast projects file as i like the logo & nav layout,but when i test the rollover link in the index page,the past projects page opens up, but no images. i am using dreamweaver 4.

this is a new area to me, very addictive. the missus has to unplug the computer to get my attention.

thanks for all of the information coming thru.

G

[fuccaro]

About 5 weeks ago I uploaded an image to my “web site” (I have just a wery simple one) at Netfirms.com. I needed to fix the same problem of the invisible image, so I wrote an e-mail to the netfirms staff. In the same day they sent me the answer. My mistake: I wrote the image name with capital first letter –I used Notepad to write the html code.
So in my opinion you should ask the netfirms team, I am sure they will help you in a professional manner.

[gcp310]

Here is what im up to so far with my site.
any tips on how to speed the image generation up would be great

sorry dave, i know its not the spot to post it.
Thanks

http://www.pitman-cad-services.netfirms.com/index.htm

[fuccaro]

In my opinion that is not slow. But if you wish more, try to divide each image in 4 or more small pieces and put them near in right position.
Play around with the image resolution. It is possible to have smaller file size but no visible changes on the image quality. Also you may try to replace jpg files with gif ones. Gif files supports optimized color palette, resulting possible smaller files.
Let us know when your web site will be ready.

[CADTutor]

I agree with fuccaro, it's not too slow. You might be able to get them a little smaller bu probably not much. Are you using image optimizing software such as the Photoshop "Save for Web" option?

[Mr T]

Here is what im up to so far with my site.
any tips on how to speed the image generation up would be great

trust me it ain't slow, I am on a 52cps connection. Also it woul be cool
to know what images were acad renders or models (3ds renders), since I can show those to my pupils as cool real world acad projects.

Also, as I said in my post, if you can add the image links to your pages whilst on the web, refresh your browser and you can check for sure if they are working/viewing right.

Nick

[gcp310]

actually they are all autocad models rendered in accurender.
we have studio viz here at work too, but only one licence.
so i dont get right into studio viz. i do however want to get more experience with studio viz.

under the Past Projects page there is a mitre 10 entrance & registration.
This was actually rendered using straight out autocad. Before we got accurender,thats what i was using. The key to rendering in autocad is to have a template set up with lights,materials,etc. and having furniture blocks set up correctly with layers that correspond to materials.
Sorry again dave, this maybe should have been in the rendering section.

I appreciate all of the feedback. So far, My site has taken me around 6-10 hours and that includes working out dreamweaver. this time would surly be double if it were not for the feedback from you fellow forum members

Thanks

G

[Psmeg]

Hi gcp310,

Can I make a little suggestion with regards to the site you are developing?

While browsing your images I notice that you are leaving spaces in the file names. While most modern browsers will replace the space with %20 this can cause some browser to have problems displaying them.

My advice when naming files for ANY element within a web site is to:

1. NEVER use spaces in the file names - therefore, eliminating potential problems. Substitute any spaces with either the (- or _ ).

2. NEVER use capital letters in the file name. This can also cause problems (as was noted in a previous post on this thread).

Finally, if you are new to Dreamweaver you may find the free streaming video tutorials on my site of use. You can find the current list here: http://www.psmeg.co.uk/pages/downloads.php

This is an ongoing series and will give you an insight into file structure, site definition, basic CSS, CSS manipulation, etc.

Hope this helps.

Regards

Psmeg

[gcp310]

Cool, thanks for that. I am in the process of updating and refining my site. i shall take all of your suggestions and put them to good use.

G

[Psmeg]

No problem,

If you're after something in particular regarding Dreamweaver, let me know and I can look at creating a video tutorial to cover it.

Regards

Psmeg

[gcp310]

Well, im impressed. just took five minutes out to look at your site and i also looked at your video tutorials. the dreamweaver site definition video made everything so much clearer.

Thanks for the link. Keep up the good work

G

[Psmeg]

:D

Glad you found it useful, much easier to see it than spend ages reading about it.

Regards

Psmeg

[Psmeg]

Just to add to the previous post.

I've now added another new video tutorial for Dreamweaver (in 2 parts) that runs at a little over 20mins. This one covers the use of tables, setting parameters, custom CSS and CSS editing.

These 2 are in addition to the first 3 parts and should get anyone interested in DWMX up to speed with some fundamental and a few advanced skills quickly and easily.

All in all I think the Dreamweaver videos add up to over 45 mins and are totally free to view online or download.

I hope you guys find it useful. :D

Regards

Psmeg

[gcp310]

tell me, im running dreamweaver 4, is there much difference in MX and dw4?

Like you said, it makes is easier to learn by watching it being done before you. unlike reading it.

shall keep you all posted when my revisions are made to my site. using the feedback from Paul.

Thanks

G

[Psmeg]

tell me, im running dreamweaver 4, is there much difference in MX and dw4?

In all honesty, for static web sites the difference between DWMX and v4 is minimal. The main difference is the interface which is primarily floating in v4 and a dockable one in MX. Although, MX allows you to use 3 different types of interface. DW4, MX and HomeSite.

So, as long as you are ok transferring the MX interface and what I'm doing to the v4 interface you'll be fine.

Obviously, if you find you get stuck then you always have either this forum or my own WZ2K forum to ask myself and others for help.

Regards

Paul C