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SNOOK’S BOOK: Get Smacked!
Those who know, do, and those who understand, teach.
An internationally acclaimed web designer, developer, and world class conference speaker based in Ottawa, Canada, Jonathan Snook is a gifted creator of engaging designs, impeccable mark-up and code, forward-thinking ideas and applications that invariably win the respect of the top people in the industry.
Snook’s new book, SMACSS (pronounced “Smacks”) is a guidebook on examining the CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) design process and fitting rigid frameworks into a flexible thought process. Snook believes that the assimilation of trained habits with the learned tricks of seasoned colleagues is what will form the unique and effective process of each individual web professional.
The way Snook breaks down the categories of CSS rules and slowly begins to define the patterns within the code creates a new knowledge base for independent principles to be built from. Snook understands that every designer and coder is different, and with a sigh of relief from readers, states: “don’t feel like you have to stick to these guidelines rigidly. Have a convention, document it, and stick to it.”
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| An Example of an Example on Snook's Online Book |
Snook also does not claim to be the CSS master and knows that very rarely does any solution solve 100% of the problem. He demonstrates several ways to complete 1 task; demonstrating that when it comes to web development, the answer to most questions is “it depends.”
Snook’s process works with all versions of HTML, most browsers and their versions with only 2 goals in mind: increase semantics and decrease reliance on specific HTML. This non-discriminatory way of looking at CSS code is what makes SMACSS more than just another book on the shelf; it is the saturated resource that developers are raving about.
Theory is one thing but application is another. Snook uses real world web examples and points out their CSS layouts relative to the chapter’s content, which becomes crucial in fully absorbing the book’s content. Snook breaks CSS down to its simplest form and teaches what most readers will consider “grade 1” stuff. The book’s audience is therefore widened to a range of programmers from novice to seasoned expert, like Snook himself.
Chapters are short and to the point. If you are anything like me and (ashamedly) do not like to read, then this book is a reboot to the system. Snook is candid and honest, creating a reading experience that feels like you are in a single student classroom.
The best part about the book, you ask? It is available to read online with access to useful resources!
The more advanced chapters are reserved for site members and purchased copies (available digitally and in hard-copy). However, the basics and core values are presented in a blog format with open comments for enthused readers.
Simplicity is at the core of both his approach and his writing. If you are a coder and frequently use CSS, Jonathon Snook’s book, “SMACSS: Scalable and Modular Architecture for CSS” will become the ammo for your developers arsenal.
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| See Snook Speak at the DIG 2012 Conference in London, Ontario: Register at www.DigLondon.ca |
