If you’re a newbie in the tech field who would love to get started with web page and web application creation, this article is for you. Find out all the basics you need to know to get started with this markup language, including where to start learning HTML.
HTML is one of the most in-demand languages in the tech field. This basic programming language stands for HyperText Markup Language and was created by Tim Berners-Lee, a renowned physicist in 1993 to facilitate the transfer of text files across the web. Since then, it has played an integral role in web development and web design.
What Is HTML Used For?
As technology developed, more versions and uses for HTML were created that catered to the needs of different categories of end-users. Some of the most popular uses for this common language are listed below.
- To create web pages and applications. HTML contains basic concepts like tags and elements that make it possible to structure the contents of web pages and web applications. With well-written HTML code, you can structure the headings, titles, paragraphs, images, and links for professional websites and web and mobile apps.
- To navigate web pages. When developing a website, you can use HTML code to enable navigation between multiple web pages by adding a navigation element that contains links to the different aspects of the website. HTML also makes it possible to embed external links in your web pages.
- To facilitate web design. HTML facilitates the use of web design languages. CSS styles the layout of a webpage and JavaScript enables dynamic functionality of the contents. HTML achieves this by describing how the contents of web pages should be displayed using its elements and tags. Designers can attach and implement functionality to the HTML elements.
- To store web data. With HTML5, you can store large amounts of web app data within your browser. Local storage allows you to store data offline on your web browser. Session storage allows you to access data on pages from one site and window. This data storage is temporary and is lost as soon as the window is closed.
- To make websites scalable. HTML makes it possible for you to compress or minify your code size. The advantage of reducing the size of your code is that it makes it faster for visitors to load the contents of web pages and it reduces running costs. It also makes it easy for the web browser to interpret and manage large content like images and videos.
How Hard Is HTML to Learn?
Learning HTML is pretty easy. The hard part is efficiently implementing HTML in creating responsive and scalable web pages. This part requires you to be guided, patient, cautious, and persistent. If you’re an absolute beginner to coding, you may find it confusing trying to master all the properties and rules of HTML elements and tags, but, with the right teacher, it gets easier.
When writing HTML codes, ensure you’re learning at your own pace so you don’t feel overwhelmed. Most developers find HTML5 the easiest to learn because of the modern features it comes with. Mastering the concepts and uses of HTML is easier when you’re directly applying the knowledge to developing your first web page. At this stage, focus on creating a functional web page.
Is HTML Harder Than CSS?
The level of difficulty depends on the technical background of the user. For most people, HTML is easier to grasp than CSS (Cascading Style Sheets). Once you have a basic grasp of computer science, it is easier to acquaint yourself with the concepts and terms of basic HTML.
Mastering the concepts makes learning to code faster. For more in-depth knowledge of HTML, professional training might be needed.
With CSS, you need an in-depth understanding of web design to efficiently apply this language and troubleshoot issues that may arise. Unlike HTML and JavaScript that have a defined application process, CSS takes a more autonomous approach. Much of the design efficiency depends on the expertise of the designer. You can use CSS tools to improve your web design.
Tips to Learn HTML
If you’re ready to get started with learning HTML, you can use the tips listed below to help you learn HTML faster, write efficient and error-free source code, and improve your chances of becoming a professional in this discipline so you can land a high-paying job in the tech industry.
- Learn the HTML terms. This is the best approach to learning anything. Learning and understanding the technical terms and tools used for writing HTML source code makes it easier to write your code. It will reduce the number of trials and errors you have to go through.
- Use tutorials to improve your skills. There are several online HTML tutorials to help you learn to write basic HTML code. The advantage to using a tutorial is that you can practice along with it. All you have to do is copy the application of your tutor and replicate it in your project.
- Ask advanced HTML users to review your code. If you’re a beginner at writing HTML codes, you can improve your skills by asking experienced programmers to review your work. The insight you gain from them will allow you to prevent future errors and learn to troubleshoot bugs that can disrupt your website performance.
- Use external validators to test your code quality. There are tools specially made to test the quality of your code before it is deployed. W3C has an online markup validation service that enables HTML coders to assess the authenticity of their web page. For more advanced validations, you can use any of the open source W3C Developer tools.
- Use comments to improve collaboration and reuse the code. Including comments in your HTML file allows you to reference it when the need arises, especially when you need to resolve bugs and code errors. This also allows other developers reviewing your code to understand some of your coding choices.
- Attend an HTML course to broaden your web knowledge. To achieve a deep understanding of HTML, you may need to attend a training course. Attending an HTML course provides you with a broader grasp of the discipline. You will understand how this language interacts and fits in with other programming languages. You’ll also get to improve your coding skills.
How Long Does It Take to Learn HTML?
How long it takes to learn HTML depends on the depth you want to cover and your learning capacity. You can cover the basics of the language between a few hours to a few months. According to Codecademy, you can learn HTML basics within nine hours, but if you’re hoping to create interactive web pages, it will take you considerably longer to cover the language.
Where to Start Learning HTML
There are several training resources and learning options available to beginner programmers who wish to improve their HTML skills. The most important factor to note when choosing an HTML learning format is your current level of technical knowledge and your learning capacity. Some of the best learning options are as follows.
HTML Coding Bootcamps
If you’re an absolute beginner with no programming experience, a coding bootcamp is your best option. HTML coding bootcamps ensure you’re properly guided by experts throughout your education.
You’ll get to explore various aspects of this language, especially how these features interact with other programming languages. HTML coding bootcamps also provide you with the resources you need to build a professional portfolio to get a job in the tech industry.
HTML Online Courses
Online courses are an ideal way of properly grasping the basics of a discipline. HTML online courses help you break down your learning process into short lessons, each at definitive prices so you can easily tackle them. This way you can apply for and pay for the lessons you need to brush up on. Some of the ideal platforms to learn HTML include Udemy and edX.
HTML Degree Programs
If you choose to take a more traditional, you can learn HTML as a part of your associate or bachelor’s degree program. Certain degrees can help you learn HTML. Degrees in computer science, information technology, web design, and web development are your best options. A degree gives you theoretical and practical knowledge of HTML and other advanced concepts in the tech field.
HTML Free Resources
Free online resources are the most affordable way to learn HTML. You can take advantage of HTML prep courses, articles, and tutorials when building a fundamental knowledge of the discipline. The obvious advantage of using this method is that it gives you a practical insight into the field at no risk and makes it easier for you to explore advanced concepts in HTML.
Is It Hard to Get a Job with HTML?
Yes, it can be hard to get a job with just HTML skills. While most jobs in the tech field require a combination of programming skills, it’s not impossible to get jobs with only a knowledge of HTML. You just have to know where to look and what your options are.
To help you get started, you’ll find a list of good-paying jobs for HTML professionals below that also provide you opportunities to learn and grow your career.
Jobs You Can Get with HTML Skills
- Technical Writer. Most tech recruiters require their technical writers to have some practical knowledge of coding. This will enable you to optimize the quality of your content, especially any content that includes coding tutorials. There are a lot of growth prospects in this career path and you can earn as much as $101,500 as a technical writer.
- HTML Developer. HTML developers write the source codes for creating websites. They are skilled in troubleshooting web performance issues and can provide client support when the need arises. You can earn an average salary of $94,491 as an HTML developer.
- Web Content Publisher. Web content publishers help put documents online. These professionals ensure that content meets the needs of website visitors. They understand HTML and can implement it to produce scalable web content that meets Google search requests and minimize the costs of running a website. You can earn an average of $63,856 as a web publisher.
- HTML Support Specialist. HTML support specialists provide client support to website users. They identify and resolve issues with web browsers, imaging, and content resizing. They also collaborate with operations teams to troubleshoot website performance issues and bugs. HTML support specialists earn an average of $45,000.
- Website Editor. A website editor manages the content published on websites. They perform similar job functions as web publishers. Website editors edit, curate, and periodically review the content produced on websites to ensure they are of high quality. Website editors earn an average salary of $52,068.
Is HTML Worth Learning?
Yes, HTML is worth learning if you’re a technical writer who specializes in coding topics or an aspiring web developer, UX/UI designer, or programmer. Knowing how to efficiently apply HTML in solving real-world projects improves the quality of your service offering. It also improves your technical knowledge of how the web works.
HTML is the language of the web. Most websites run on this coding language so you don’t have to worry about it becoming obsolete anytime soon. This basic programming language is the stepping stone to learning other programming languages and specializing in any of the wide range of career options in the tech field. You can start earning a decent income with an in-depth knowledge of HTML.
Is HTML Hard to Learn?
No, Python is a little more difficult to learn than HTML. Python is a multi-purpose language, so exploring the full extent of the language requires guided training, constant practice, and patience. However, the Python language syntax is easy to understand, learn, and implement across diverse projects. It will keep you engaged while you’re trying to master it.
No, Java is more difficult to learn than HTML. Java requires the user to first understand the logic and how to implement it. Java is also not in the same function class as HTML. It is a language for writing mobile and game applications and is popular amongst software developers. In addition, Java is a broad language, unlike HTML. There are several in-built packages that you need to acquaint yourself with before you can implement the language.
Yes, website coding can be hard to learn if you have no technical background. The languages may seem too foreign for you and that can make implementation difficult. However, it’s not an impossible task. There are website coding training providers and online resources available to help you get the knowledge you need. As long as you’re ready to put in the work, you’re good to go.
Yes, you can. There are tech jobs available to those with just HTML and CSS skills. As an HTML and CSS coder, you can work as a technical specialist, web designer, and junior developer, depending on the company. You can apply your CSS skills to roles in web content management and email management. You can also take advantage of the gig economy and advertise your skills on freelance platforms.
About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication.
