I use published books more often then I do information from the internet. Call me old school.
Julian Sprung and Charles Delbeek wrote three very good reference books called The Reef Aquarium, volumes 1, 2, 3.
Aquarium Corals: Selection, Husbandry and Natural History is also a good reference book, written by Eric Borneman.
You can read as much reference books as you want, and study and learn from books as much as you want and you will be pretty successful with coral placements, growth, and coloration, but nothing will replace experience... if you are unsure of coral placement or requirements, after researching it through books and internet resources,... it still doesn't hurt to ask someone who can tell you from first hand experience.
Now, as a general reference...
Most soft corals use toxins as a chief defense... use plenty of carbon and change it out monthly to help alleviate low levels of toxins in the water between water changes. They require light levels from low to medium and plenty to eat in the water column.
Most LPS corals have stinging nematocysts with sweeping tentacles... and should be placed a fair amount away from other coral colonies. They prefer medium to high lighting conditions and prefer lots of food in the water column as well as direct feedings.
Most SPS corals attempt to outgrow and shade each other. They require excellent water quality conditions and at the same time they need plenty to eat and require the highest lighting conditions.
Coral compatibility is complex, and when it comes down to it, you might just have to observe your corals and make changes as necessary. Eventually things will grow in and continue to bump into one another...
Now, I say most because there are of course exceptions to the rule.
