texter samples | text_only 


t h e   c h a n n e l   c h a n n e l

texted for construct internet design by gabriella marks
Sometimes the best way to learn, or teach, is through example.

Dynamic html has been touted as the long-awaited answer to the web designer's desires: finally a web language capable of actual interactivity, meaty enough to earn that "dynamic" moniker. In compliment to the new wealth of functionality, however, is a new magnitude of complexity.

Browser companies like Netscape are well aware of the challenges implicit in embracing clotting edge technology. In support of the Netcaster component of their latest Communicator web browser, Netscape recruited Construct to produce a "sample channel" that serves as an educational tool for channel developers.


Construct has worked closely with Netscape in support and development of Netcaster Channels, as both a content developer for clients like SABRE Interactive, and as developer support for Netcaster partners.

Our extensive experience with Netcaster and dhtml technologies made Construct a natural choice for developing a channel learning aid.

Because developing Netcaster channels using Dynamic HTML is a fairly new and undocumented exercise, there is a strong need for sample implementations to demonstrate techniques that are general to most channels.

The goal of the Channel Channel was to develop a channel which is composed of fully implemented functional elements that represent the "best practice" in channel design. In designing the channel, we focused on the functionality that is most commonly implemented for channels. The final inventory of functional elements included:

In addition to the code, Construct provided documentation which explains why we wrote code in a particular way and what the issues are when implementing the specific piece of functionality discussed. We have included samples of the Channel Channel documentation (listed above) here as a community resource. To see the code in action you'll need to download the Channel Channel.

The code+docs section of the Channel Channel features in-depth discussions of channel engineering. From positioning methods for resolution independence to signing code certificates, these articles provide an excellent, in-the-trenches reference for content developers. This Channel is intended to be a learning tool for developers. All of the functionality featured in the channel was built and documented in detail in the code+docs section. Developers can review the Channel Channel functionality, select aspects for integration into their own projects, and also read the Channel's documentation for step-by-step explanations on implementation.

texter samples | text_only