[WEB4LIB] CSS or JavaScript

[Keith Higgs]

The most cross-platform compatible way to do this (assuming you're
willing to require version 5.x or later browsers) would be to use CSS.
Through CSS you would use named DIVs and manipulate their position and
visibility as needed. Additionally, using CSS you do not need to be
concerned with what happens if the client has disabled scripting in
their browser, or if their browser supports scripting at all.  Having
said all of that, you should download a copy of either Lynx
(http://www.trill-home.com/lynx.html) or Links
(http://artax.karlin.mff.cuni.cz/~mikulas/links/) text mode browsers to
make sure they are still accessible.  Both Lynx and Links are
open-source projects for Linux, BSD, etc... But, they DO have windows
version available.

Reasons to not concern yourself with browsers pre v.5:
- CSS is only partially implemented so there are restrictions.
- You don't enable people to cling to their obsolete software that they
can upgrade for free.
- You don't have nearly as many things to sniff for when you do have a
cross-browser issue.

Recommended texts for CSS:
* Cascading Style Sheets: The Definitive Guide. 
  Eric A. Meyer, O'Reilly (c) May 2000 1-56592-622-6
* Cascading Style Sheets 2.0: Programmer's Reference
  Eric A. Meyer, Osborne (c) 2001 0-07-213178-0

See also http://www.meyerweb.com/css/

One final thought: Macromedia Dreamweaver.

Keith
D. Keith Higgs <mailto:dkh2 at po.cwru.edu> (216)368-0559
 Case Western Reserve University, Webmaster - University Library
  Additional Information at http://www.cwru.edu/UL/
"Follow the white rabbit."

-----Original Message-----
From: web4lib at webjunction.org [mailto:web4lib at webjunction.org]
On Behalf Of Connie Hudson
Sent: Wednesday, July 17, 2002 02:02 PM
To: Multiple recipients of list
Subject: [WEB4LIB] CSS or JavaScript


I would like to create a rollover effect on a menu item that creates a
drop down menu with hyperlinks.

Example: When the mouse is positioned over the Children's button, I
would like a drop down menu of links to Summer Reading Club, Storytime,
Reading Lists, etc.

I have a book on Javascript that references the effect but talks about
using CSS. Do I need to get a book on CSS to get the instructions for
what I want to do?

Any pointers will be very appreciated.

Thanks


Connie Hudson, Systems Coordinator
chudson at flower-mound.com
Flower Mound Public Library
3030 Broadmoor  Flower Mound, TX   75022
972-874-6161  fax 972-874-6466