What are we actually learning ?

Theres a good chance that new levels will involve such methods to be completed, as for the main levels, they teach the very basic and probably one of the most important things about website security, checking the source.

The basic levels introduce you to hex editors and to opening files with programs you wouldn’t normally think of, as well as showing you that messages can be hidden in images of course

Very Interesting. Thank you for the explanation.

The main focus of the levels is to give people a grounding in web technologies. The majority of users entering Main Level 1 will never have even known it was possible to view a websites source code. The main levels are by no means meant to represent real techniques but instead give users an introduction to these technologies and other tools.

Real levels are moving towards real attacks, as are the 2 SQLi levels currently online. More complex SQLi levels along with other real world techniques such as CSRF and XSS will be introduced in time.

As for your comment on languages this was the idea behind the coding levels. The idea was for users to discuss coding problems and languages … learning more and more as they go. I hope this helps explain the motives behind some of the levels :)

Very well said flabbyrabbit, there is a good reason behind learning to crawl first. Generally speaking, there is a large amount of information located within the source, if you know what you are looking for and/or at. Without knowledge of what is in the source code how do you expect to learn javascript functionality in webpage design, and how to manipulate it. Just for FYI, there is alot of levels that do not even need a tool of any kind, just a browser and few skills. Learn those and you will be well on your way. All in due time young Vader, all in due time.

As i say again thank you for your explanations. I now understand.

@3rdHorseMan, the way that i learn is i ask questions. when i first came to this website i knew nothing, but now i can impress my friends and girls with my Vast computer knowledge :) So what i am saying is just ask questions, but remember try to Google them first. you will learn a lot more on your own.

hazorz, this is very true. thank you for your advice.

I like the way the levels introduce you to source code, I can see what you mean about things like batch and vbs but it can be hard to aim a level like that at a beginner. I’ve found that once the levels are complete that its the forums were the real learning begins.

One area that no one has pointed out…
Actually you will learn a lot by following the forums!
The guys propose techniques, strategies, exploits and confront each other. In my opinion the comparison, per se, is a great way to grow and learn new techniques.

Just like Flabby said the new version of HT will come with more intresting levels and with a more bit to learn !!!
And i really think the REAL levels where helpfull !!!

@IAmDevil yes the REAL Levels where good and had good problem solving. Looking forword to the new HT