Learn the Fundamentals of HTML for Programming
Learn the Fundamentals of HTML for Programming
Are you looking to develop a career in full-stack web development? Whether you’re freelancing or plan on joining a tech team, HTML (HyperText Markup Language) is a key skill to have in your programming toolbox. So, let’s explore what HTML is, and the fundamentals of learning HTML for programming.
What is HTML?
HTML stands for HyperText Markup Language. It’s the language used to create webpages on the world-wide-web. When you enter a URL into your browser, the browser sends a request to a server and it responds with the HTML page you’re trying to reach. That HTML page is then interpreted by the browser which downloads and parses any resources (css stylesheets, images, scripts) referenced in the HTML and renders a webpage that you can interact with.
Understanding HTML Fundamentals
At its heart, HTML is a markup language. It uses tags which are special labels of content that denote how the content should be displayed. When writing HTML, you don’t need to worry about the style of the text - font, font size, color, etc - that’s where CSS comes in. HTML is all about the structure of the page.
When building HTML pages, you start with a blank slate, define a head and body, add headings and paragraphs, create lists and add different content types such as images and videos. Everything is created using HTML tags, which you can recognize because they’re labeled with angle brackets <>. Below is a brief overview of some of the most common tags.
- <HTML> - specifies the webpage is written in HTML
- <HEAD> - contains information about the page, like meta tags.
- <BODY> - everything you can see and interact with on the page.
- <H1> - <H6> - headings for text and other content.
- <P> - paragraph tags that contain text
- <IMG> - displays an image.
- <LI> - list elements for creating lists.
- <A> - anchor elements for creating links to other pages.
Learning HTML
Now that we understand what HTML is, let’s explore how you can learn HTML for programming. Learning HTML foundation skills start with finding the right resources and tools. The best resources to learn HTML, in my opinion, include free online courses, websites, and tutorials. YouTube has some amazing video tutorials you can follow. You can also take an online course or even ask someone knowledgeable to help you understand the basics.
Once you have a good understanding of the basics of HTML, it’s time to start building your own webpage. Use the tools and librariers that you learned in your HTML classes. It’s important to always be learning and practicing, as HTML tends to evolve quickly. If you're serious about learning HTML and capable of doing so, it’s smart to sign up for a web development bootcamp or other courses providing a comprehensive view of web development. Most of these courses will include HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
Best Resources for Learning HTML
As mentioned above, there are many great resources available for learning HTML and related technologies. Here’s a list of some of the top resources I’d recommended for learning HTML:
- Codecademy: A great resource for learning HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Codecademy provides courses designed specifically to teach you HTML.
- W3schools: Another great resource for learning HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. It also provides tutorial and reference material on a variety of topics.
- Mozilla Developer Network: A comprehensive collection of tutorials and guides on HTML (among other web development topics).
- Free Code Camp: An online community for web developers providing resources for learning HTML and related technologies.
- Khan Academy: A great resource for learning HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, as well as a variety of other topics.
Conclusion
From freelancing and full-stack web development to front-end and back-end development, understanding HTML is key in the world of programming. By understanding the fundamentals of HTML and finding the right resources for learning, you can develop the skills needed to become an effective, successful programmer.