What is HTML
HTML stands for Hypertext Markup Language. It is a standard markup language that is used to create web pages. A markup language means that it is used to structure and present content on the web. HTML is not a programming language. It is used to define the elements or tags that make up the structure of a web page and its layout.
How to learn HTML
If you want to develop your knowledge and skills in the area of web development, then learning HTML is a fundamental step. In this article, we will learn how to learn HTML, and the 10 free resources you can use to learn HTML.
Let’s split up the process of learning HTML into simple steps:
- First, you should understand the basics of the markup language.
- Next, you should set up your development environment. You can choose a text editor or integrated development environment (IDE) where you will write your code. You can use a code editor like Visual Studio Code, Sublime Text or simply use a text editor like Notepad.
- The next step is to understand the basic structure of an HTML document. Learn the most common tags and their functions. All HTML documents contain an opening tag and a closing tag. All documents should include the following:
- <!Doctype>
- <html>
- <head>
- <body>
There are some common HTML elements that you should know about. Commonly used elements are:
- Headings – <h1>, <h2>, <h3> etc.
- Paragraphs – <p>
- Links – <a>
- Images – <img>
- Lists – <ul>, <ol>, <li>
- Bold text – <b>
- Italics – <i>
- Next, you have to understand the HTML attributes that provide additional information about HTML elements. An example of this would be:
The “href” attribute in the element <a> specifies the destination of the given link (< a href>).
- Now that we know about the attributes, we can jump onto the next step, which is to understand the explore form elements like – <form>, <input>, <textarea> etc. . learn to create various types of form fields.
- After understanding HTML forms, you can begin to learn about HTML tables. You can start by using elements like <table>, <tr>, <td> and <th>.
- After this, you can learn the HTML semantic elements like <header>, <nav>, <article>, <section>, and <footer>. These are used to convey the structure and meaning of your content. These elements are used to improve accessibility and SEO. So it will be very helpful for you.
- Learn the HTML validators like W3C Markup Validation Service. This is used to check your code for errors and make sure that the code conforms to web standards.
- Now you are ready to put to practice what you have learned. Improve your skills by using different elements, attributes and layouts.
You can use these 10 free resources to learn HTML and improve your coding skills.
10 free resources to learn HTML
1. Mozilla Developer Network (MDN)
MDN is an open- source network of documentation and tools. It harbors information about topics related to web development including HTML, CSS and JavaScript. It is a wiki that offers access to documentation, tutorials and developer tools.
It has nearly 50,000 documents and 10,000+ contributors. Frequent edits are made to keep the information provided on the platform up- to- date and error free. The content on the site is available in 15 different languages.
2. W3Schools
W3Schools offers easy- to- follow tutorials with live examples. It was launched in 1998. You can find tutorials with code examples to help understand how the language works. Here, you can also find tutorials on other languages like JavaScript, C++, CSS, Python, PHP, etc. . Apart from programming languages, W3Schools also offers information on related topics like AI, cyber security, data analytics, machine learning and more.
W3Schools offers access to video courses for HTML to subscribers. Certificate courses are also available, which costs from $20 up to nearly $695.
3. Codecademy
Codecademy is an online learning platform that offers coding courses and tutorials in various programming languages and related topics. It provides an interactive coding environment where the learners can practice coding directly on the web. The courses are organized into structured lessons, modules and projects.
There are coding projects and challenges using which the learners can apply what they have learned. Codecademy offers both free and paid content. Also, in Codecademy’s community and forums, the learners can ask questions, share their experiences with coding and seek/ offer help.
4. freeCodeCamp
This non- profit online learning platform offers a wide range of free resources and interactive coding challenges that help you learn web development and programming. It offers educational content for free to the public. Learners are offered an interactive learning experience where they can apply their knowledge.
One of the main benefits of learning from freeCodeCamp is that the learners have the opportunity to solve real- world problems. Having such practical experience can help the learners develop professionally. Learners also receive tips to ace technical interviews.
5. Coursera
Coursera offers a wide range of courses including full degree programs from universities in different fields. Their HTML courses range from beginner to advanced levels and most of these courses are taught by reputable universities and institutes. The courses are structured in a way that provides learners with a comprehensive understanding of HTML.
An attractive benefit of Coursera is that they provide financial aid to eligible students. The accessibility of Coursera is high, meaning that a student can access the course from anywhere be it their computers, tablets or smartphones.
6. edX
edX like Coursera is an online learning platform where you can find courses offered by reputable universities and institutions. You will have access to video lectures, assignments, quizzes and more to enhance your learning experience. Learners can also interact with the instructors to clear up any doubts and reap the maximum benefits of the courses.
Learners are given immediate feedback on their performance to help them improve their understanding of HTML and related concepts. Real- world scenarios are incorporated within some of the courses to help the learners understand HTML and apply what they have learned.
7. HTML Dog
HTML Dog offers tutorials and resources for learning HTML, CSS and JavaScript. It is helpful for beginners and advanced learners. Their resources are completely free and anyone can access it. All the learners have to do is to connect their device to the internet and they’re good to go.
HTML Dog provides an in- depth explanation of the basics of HTML like elements and attributes and their functions. With this, the learners will have a thorough understanding of HTML. interactive exercises and quizzes allow the learners to apply the knowledge they have gained from the courses. They also provide sources to refer from.
8. Khan Academy
The educational platform, Khan Academy, offers a wide range of educational information like video lessons, interactive content and practice exercises to help the learners gain a usable and in- depth understanding of HTML. While Khan Academy does not offer an exclusive course on HTML, they do offer courses related to web development which covers the topic of HTML.
Their video lessons offer a visual explanation of coding concepts that include HTML. The practice exercises help the learners in coding directly within the browser. Khan Academy makes it easy to absorb vast amounts of information because they break complex concepts into smaller and simpler sections. Another benefit of the learning platform is that they provide the learner an option to track their progress, this motivates them to continue learning more and more.
9. Codepen
Codepen is an online community and platform web developers and designers can create, share and experiment with HTML codes in real- time. Their code editor and live preview features make them very popular. You can immediately see the results of your code in the live preview. This makes it a very valuable learning tool when it comes to HTML.
Sharing code snippets and projects with other members of the Codepen community is easy and helpful in generating valuable feedback. You also get access to a wide range of examples that can be helpful in overcoming web development challenges.
10. YouTube
YouTube is a familiar platform for most internet users. The best thing about this platform is that you can get free access to unlimited content. Another advantage is that the learners can get a visual understanding of HTML concepts, syntax and code structure. You can get the chance to view the work process of experienced coders and have a look into their thought process.
On YouTube you are not limited to only one university or instructor to learn from at a time. You can learn from multiple coders and tutors to gain a diverse understanding of HTML and its working concepts. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced coder, there is content for all learners.
HTML is the backbone of most web content. It is an advantage to learn HTML because of the growing dependence on the internet and technology. These platforms offer detailed information on HTML and are free to use. Some of the sources provide certification courses as well.
So get ready to learn and upskill in this fast- paced technology- driven world!