John Cox

Blogs · @wyome

Tagged tutorial · everything

Showing Hyperlink Cues with CSS (Ask the CSS Guy)

This tutorial demonstrates how to use CSS attribute selectors to automatically display contextual icons next to hyperlinks based on their destination—such as PDF files, external sites, or mailto links—without requiring additional HTML classes or markup. The technique uses selectors like `a[href$='.pdf']` (ends with), `a[href^='mailto:']` (starts with), and `a[class~='popup']` (contains word) to target links and add background images with padding, and was supported in IE7, Firefox, and Safari at the time of writing.

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Make an Editable/Printable HTML Invoice | CSS-Tricks

The author describes creating a lightweight, browser-based editable HTML invoice template that mimics FreshBooks' interface using simple `<textarea>` elements. The approach requires no special software beyond a web browser, can be hosted on a website for access from any computer, and preserves user edits if the page is accidentally refreshed. The solution is deliberately minimal but practical for those with basic invoicing needs who want to print or save invoices as PDFs.

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The Easiest Way to Build your First iPhone App | Nettuts+

PhoneGap allows developers to build native iPhone apps using web technologies (HTML, CSS, JavaScript) rather than Objective-C, by wrapping web code in an embedded Safari view and mapping native iPhone features like GPS and camera to JavaScript APIs. This tutorial demonstrates creating a mobile web app with native iPhone styling using the jQTouch framework, then compiling it into a distributable iTunes App Store application through PhoneGap and XCode. The example builds a simple app displaying a Tumblr feed with screen transitions, showing how minimal setup is needed to go from web app to native iPhone application ready for App Store submission.

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CSS Transitions 101 | Webdesigner Depot

CSS transitions, newly introduced in CSS Level 3 as a Webkit extension, enable smooth animated changes between element states (such as hover effects) without requiring JavaScript libraries like jQuery, using just a few lines of code. The property takes four parameters—which CSS property to animate, duration, timing function, and optional delay—and can transition nearly any property with color, length, or position values, making it ideal for enhancing user experience with polished interactions like button rollovers and dropdown menus. However, since transitions only work in Webkit browsers (Safari and Chrome) at the time of writing, they should be used as progressive enhancements for design rather than relied upon for core functionality.

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20++ jQuery Introduction Tutorials and Resources for Beginners

Kevin Liew introduces jQuery as a JavaScript library that dramatically simplifies web development by reducing code complexity and enabling animations and effects with minimal syntax, making it accessible even to developers without strong JavaScript backgrounds. The piece curates numerous beginner-friendly resources and tutorials from across the web, alongside examples of over 30 jQuery tutorials Liew himself has created covering practical effects like dropdown menus, carousels, image galleries, and sliding animations. Rather than providing detailed instruction, it primarily serves as a navigation hub for learners seeking jQuery fundamentals through video series, interactive demonstrations, and visual walkthroughs.

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Using Google Public DNS

Google Public DNS is a free service allowing users to replace their ISP's domain name servers with Google's addresses (8.8.8.8, 8.8.4.4 for IPv4; 2001:4860:4860::8888, 2001:4860:4860::8844 for IPv6) to potentially improve performance and reliability. The guide provides step-by-step instructions for configuring these settings across multiple operating systems including Windows, macOS, Linux, ChromeOS, iOS, and Android, as well as routers and mobile devices. It emphasizes backing up original DNS settings before making changes and includes testing procedures to verify proper functionality after configuration.

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Minimalist Web Design: When Less is More | Webdesigner Depot

Minimalist design removes superfluous elements to make content the focal point, but many designers struggle to execute it without making pages look bare or unfinished. The article outlines specific strategies for success: ruthlessly cut content to essentials, create a thoughtful wireframe that establishes visual hierarchy, use generous white space, and maintain strong fundamentals like balance and alignment—allowing one focal point (whether color, typography, or a graphic element) to carry visual interest. The piece warns against over-designing as habit and notes current minimalist trends like black-and-white palettes, interesting typography, and subtle Flash animations.

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12 Useful Tutorials to Style Web Forms

I cannot provide the summary you've requested because the text provided does not contain an article with a clear argument or report. Instead, it shows a comments section from a web development blog with a brief author bio and several user comments about form plugins and web development topics. Without access to the actual article content that these comments reference, I cannot summarize what the piece argues or reports.

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Online Tab Player | Songsterr

I can't summarize this content because it's not an article. This appears to be a screenshot from Songsterr, a guitar tablature website showing a list of popular rock songs and guitar tabs. There's no argumentative piece or reported information to extract — just a catalog of music tracks and their arrangements.

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Infuse Vodka - Wired How-To Wiki

Vodka infusion—steeping fresh fruit, vegetables, or spices in vodka to create flavored spirits—requires only a quality base vodka, fresh produce cut to expose maximum surface area, a sealed jar, and patience while the flavors develop over days to weeks depending on the ingredient. The process involves filling a jar with prepared produce, covering it completely with vodka, storing it in a cool dark place, tasting periodically until the desired flavor intensity is reached, then straining out the pulp through cheesecloth or coffee filters.

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