Getting Started with HTML Basics: Web Development for Beginners

October 12, 2023 Muhammad Shammaim

So you want to learn how to create a website from scratch? That’s great!

But where should you start? What tools should you learn?

Table of Contents

Getting Started With HTML

If you’re a beginner, it might feel difficult to know where to start.

You’ve probably heard about a few tools you should learn, but the first one you need is always HTML or HyperText Markup Language.

When you learn HTML basics, you can start building your first website in a matter of minutes.

HTML is a relatively easy language to learn, since you can see the results of your work right away. And with the right resources, you can launch your first basic website in just a couple of days.

In this post, I’ll share with you my favorite tips for getting started with HTML.

You’ll find out what HTML is all about and where to start learning HTML fundamentals for beginners.

By the end of this post, you’ll know what you need to learn and how to take the first step towards creating your first website.

Keep reading!

What is HTML?

Commencing your journey into HTML may initially appear daunting and technical, but grasping the fundamentals can be a far more manageable endeavor than you might imagine.

In essence, HTML serves as the cornerstone language underpinning the multitude of websites and web applications you’ve encountered and interacted with.

HTML, an acronym for HyperText Markup Language, is, in fact, a markup language as opposed to a full-fledged programming language. However, it is not uncommon to find HTML grouped alongside programming languages such as PHP, Python, or Ruby, a detail worth noting.

For those aspiring to delve into web development and embark on the creation of their own website, HTML is the very first tool to acquaint oneself with.

Within HTML, you will wield the power to construct both the structure and content of your website:

The term “structure” pertains to the layout and arrangement of elements and blocks within your web page, defining its flow and order.

“Content” encapsulates a spectrum of elements including text, images, hyperlinks, lists, multimedia, and more, collectively contributing to the richness and substance of your site.

My initial foray into coding was driven by the ambition to craft a web application from the ground up. Consequently, I initiated my journey by acquainting myself with Python, primarily focusing on its application in the server-side or back-end facets of my project.

Following this foundational experience, HTML and CSS were the next formidable tools to be incorporated into my skill set.

Cascading Style Sheets, or CSS for short, is yet another markup language at your disposal, one that enables you to enhance the visual appeal and user-friendliness of your HTML content.

To conclude, HTML is your gateway to the realm of web development, a pivotal starting point in your quest to design and construct web pages and applications that captivate and engage users with their content and aesthetics.

Why is HTML perfect for beginners?

Given that you likely interact with websites on a daily basis, delving into the intricacies of how HTML operates in the background can prove to be an engrossing and empowering endeavor. What’s truly remarkable about this journey is that HTML, in all its complexity, is remarkably accessible, even for those who have never ventured into the realm of web development or coding. Its beginner-friendly syntax and the near-instantaneous visual feedback you receive when implementing changes make the learning process surprisingly gratifying.

In a remarkably short span of time, you’ll find yourself crafting your inaugural website, albeit at a basic level. To embark on this journey, all you need is to grasp a handful of fundamental concepts, which will serve as the building blocks for your web development skills:

HTML Elements: These are the core building components that define the structure and content of a webpage.
HTML Tags: Tags are the instructions that delineate how elements should be displayed, structured, and behave on the page.
HTML Attributes: Attributes provide additional information and characteristics to elements, allowing you to fine-tune their appearance and behavior.

Understanding the interplay of these three essential facets equips you with the ability to construct an entire web page replete with text, images, and multimedia elements. This newfound knowledge not only empowers you to comprehend the architecture of websites you encounter daily but also paves the way for you to unleash your creativity by crafting your digital presence on the web.

How do you create and open an HTML file?

Creating and working with HTML files stands out as a remarkably expeditious endeavor when juxtaposed with numerous other undertakings in the realm of web development or coding. The expeditiousness is primarily attributed to the absence of prerequisites for installing any specialized software or packages on your computing device. You are required merely to employ a proficient code editor such as Sublime Text or Notepad++.

Once you’re adequately equipped with one of these capable code editors, you can embark upon the process of crafting and opening an HTML file, which can be accomplished with consummate ease through a succinct sequence of three straightforward steps:

Compose Your HTML Code: Commence your web development journey by typing your HTML code within the friendly confines of your chosen code editor.
Preserve the File: Ensure that the document housing your HTML masterpiece is stored with the “.html” file extension, a hallmark of HTML files.
Invoke a Standard Web Browser: The final step encompasses the act of opening the freshly created HTML file. This can be achieved by launching a conventional web browser.

It’s worth noting that the choice of web browser is entirely at your discretion, but for optimal compatibility and results, it is advisable to consider well-regarded options like Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox.

As you unfurl your HTML creation within the browser of your choice, the fruits of your labor are laid bare before your eyes without delay. This immediate gratification allows you to swiftly detect and rectify any glitches or errors that may have crept into your HTML code. With this rapid feedback loop, the process of refining and perfecting your HTML file becomes a matter of seconds rather than an arduous ordeal

Why should you learn HTML?

HTML stands as the bedrock upon which the entire global web landscape is constructed. It serves as the indispensable cornerstone of web development, a realm that beckons aspiring freelancers and full-time professionals alike.

If you harbor ambitions of entering the sphere of web development, whether to carve out a career as a freelance web developer or to secure a coveted position in the industry, the acquisition of HTML skills is an absolute necessity. Learning HTML is an unassailable prerequisite, a foundational step that opens doors to boundless opportunities.

For those embarking on their web development journey, I encourage you to peruse my comprehensive article on the multifaceted roles web developers undertake. This informative piece offers valuable insights into the dynamic world of web development, shedding light on the intricacies and possibilities that await aspiring developers.

In the ever-evolving landscape of technology, trends may rise and fall, and new tools and technologies frequently surface, only to be replaced in the blink of an eye. However, amid this relentless flux, HTML stands unwavering and resolute. It has etched its place as an enduring and indispensable language, rooted in the very essence of the web.

HTML’s constancy is evident in its remarkable persistence over several decades. Its core principles have undergone minimal alteration, rendering HTML an accessible and timeless knowledge reservoir. If you once dabbled in the rudiments of HTML years ago, fear not; a swift refresher can swiftly catapult you back into the web development arena.

Furthermore, the mastery of HTML extends its utility to those who already own websites. By acquiring proficiency in HTML, you empower yourself to adeptly manage, update, and maintain your online presence with remarkable efficiency.

Even with rudimentary HTML skills at your disposal, you hold the keys to modify and fine-tune your website’s content without the need for costly professional intervention. This autonomy is a significant advantage, allowing you to adapt and evolve your digital presence at your own discretion, thereby saving both time and financial resources. In the ever-shifting sands of the digital landscape, HTML remains an anchor of stability and an indispensable tool for web development and site management.

Where to learn HTML fundamentals for beginners?

As you may anticipate, the wealth of available online resources to kickstart your journey with HTML is vast, offering an abundance of options that far exceed any beginner’s requirements. Therefore, the key is to explore various courses and guides and select the one that aligns most closely with your personal preferences and learning style.

If you’re uncertain whether web development aligns with your interests, don’t hesitate to initiate your learning journey with a complimentary course. A fantastic HTML tutorial can be readily found on Codecademy, serving as an excellent example of the many free resources at your disposal.

Moreover, a plethora of additional avenues await those seeking to dive into the world of HTML:

If, on the other hand, you prefer to gain knowledge from the pages of a well-crafted book, I encourage you to explore my comprehensive review of a resource dedicated to HTML and CSS.

The realm of web development is brimming with opportunities, making it essential to harness the myriad resources at your disposal as you embark on your HTML journey. Whether you opt for online tutorials, courses on platforms like Udemy and Udacity, or community-driven learning through freeCodeCamp, you’re sure to find a path that suits your unique needs. And for those who prefer the timeless wisdom of books, be sure to delve into my in-depth HTML and CSS book review to identify the perfect printed companion for your learning adventure.