Start with the Basics
As you begin to learn HTML, you should start by learning a few HTML basics. There are a number of excellent books and websites designed for beginners. In fact we even have a dedicated section in our affiliate forums related to web design. By learning only a few crucial HTML tags, you will be able to publish a very simple page in HTML. The following tags are just a few you should learn how to use:
Once you have a grasp of basic tags, you can start learning some of the major design elements needed to make your website look great. HTML is very versatile and can be used to produce a wide range of effects. If you start with a solid understanding of the basics, you will be better able to use HTML creatively to design web pages.
Observe Examples of HTML
The next step to learn HTML is to observe different examples on other websites. Start by browsing the Web for sites with eye catching and effective designs. Take note of the layout and design of each page you visit and look for what's effective and what's not.
You can also look at the HTML code of websites you admire by clicking "View" on your browser menu and selecting "Page Source." Doing this will open a separate window with the HTML code of the page. This is a great way to see how different HTML techniques are used to craft websites.
Read Online Tutorials
The Web is full of great online tutorials to help beginners learn HTML. A Google search will produce a number of great references that you can use to learn some of the basics. Pages you might consult include step-by-step HTML tutorials, HTML cheat sheets, and free e-books.
Take a Class in HTML and Web Design
Now that you feel a bit more comfortable with HTML, you might want to consider signing up for a class in HTML and web design. While it is possible to learn HTML entirely on your own, participating in a class can provide useful experience and feedback that can greatly enhance your learning experience. Teachers can provide valuable insight, tips, and tricks while your fellow students can offer reactions to your HTML pages.
Where can you find a good course in HTML and web design? If you live near a community college or university, contact the school for a class schedule. Many campuses offer affordable community education courses in web design and HTML. These courses are targeted toward a range of abilities, including beginners and advanced users. If you do not have access to a nearby school, look online for distance learning courses.
Experiment with Design Software
While it is important to learn how to code a web page by hand, design software can augment your design and coding process. Tools such as Microsoft Frontpage and Macromedia Dreamweaver combine HTML and preformatted templates to simplify the design process and expand the range of possibilities.
Once you have learned to code a page by hand, experiment with different types of design software to discover which is best suited to your needs. A simple page can be created entirely from HTML, but the addition of CSS and JavaScript elements can improve the look and interactivity of your website.
Have a specific question or are you stuck on something related to html? Why not join our affiliate forums and simply ask one of the members of our community.