Is HTML Hard to Learn?
No, HTML is not hard to learn, because it is relatively easy to learn enough basic HTML code to get started creating and editing web pages. However, it is harder to learn how to use HTML for more advanced applications, like combining HTML with other programming languages to create an interactive website or responsive web design.
Though HTML might seem daunting at first for absolute beginners to web development, it is actually quite easy to learn HTML once you begin digging into it. For one thing, there aren't really any technological barriers learning HTML and tackling your first web page — all you need is a computer with a web browser and a text editor like TextEdit or NotePad to write HTML.
HTML is a markup language, as opposed to a programming language. So where programming languages spell out a series of actions, an HTML tag merely describes what things are (like paragraphs, images, tables, headings, etc.). As a result, it should be much more straightforward for most people to learn the basics of HTML.
How Long Does it Take to Learn HTML?
Most people can learn HTML basics in as little as two weeks, but mastering HTML at a more advanced level will take longer. How long it takes you to learn HTML will also depend on what learning method you choose. For instance, it will take longer for you to learn HTML at your own pace by using HTML reference guides, online tutorials, or free webinars, compared with certificate courses or a dedicated Web Development bootcamp like BrainStation's.
Regardless of which method you choose, many Programmers and Developers recommend that if you want to start learning HTML, you should spend a couple hours each day practicing in your HTML editor, working on building your own website or web applications.
What Is the Best Way to Learn HTML?
The best way to learn HTML is to first explore a self-guided HTML course or tutorial and to learn the basics of other programming languages like CSS, and JavaScript. To take the next step, though, you should then consider a dedicated coding bootcamp or web development certification course, where you can ensure you are learning HTML and CSS correctly before using what you've learned to work on your own real-life projects.
If you're in the earliest stages of exploring HTML, there are a variety of free online courses and HTML references ranging from introductory lessons to advanced tutorials that can help you learn the basics. Tutorials like this one, paired with the many free resources available online including webinars, blogs, and more, will certainly help you as you begin your journey with HTML.
If you have aspirations of using HTML for your career, the best way to learn HTML would be to attend a good coding bootcamp program. BrainStation's Web Development bootcamp, for example, would help you see how HTML and a variety of other programming languages are used together in both front-end and back-end development to create dynamic, engaging websites and web products.
What Careers Use HTML?
There are countless careers that use HTML in some form, including jobs in web and software development, web and graphic design, business analytics, project management, and many more.
In other words, it isn't just the responsibility of a Front-End Web Developer to understand how to use HTML and CSS. HTML skills and a solid foundation in basic HTML concepts will give you an advantage in any number of industries. For example, a Digital Marketer with HTML experience could use their knowledge of website structure to suggest SEO improvements, design more effective marketing campaigns, or create eye-catching email marketing campaigns.
After you learn HTML and CSS, your career could really get a boost if you then go on to learn one or more programming languages. There are countless job roles in tech that value programming skills, including UX Designer, Data Scientist, Data Analyst, Product Manager, and more.
Is HTML a Good First Language to Learn?
HTML is a very good first language to learn if you don't have experience with web design or development.
HTML is a good entryway for beginners into the world of web development because even if you don't have a technical background, most people have some level of understanding of how HTML elements and HTML tags are used to turn plain text into an HTML page that a computer can read. The fact that HTML has some rigid rules and syntax — as just one example, every HTML document must start with a <!DOCTYPE HTML> declaration — can actually make it easier to pick up.
In addition to HTML, CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) also uses a simple structure with a clearly defined set of rules that make it relatively easy for beginners to learn. Using CSS grid layout, which is a two-dimensional layout system, can make it even more straightforward to learn CSS and begin using it.
What Are Good HTML Projects for Beginners?
Good HTML projects for beginners would include a basic Web Developer resume website, a tribute site for a public figure you admire, or any kind of HTML webpage that features a form or survey.
Once you feel you've got a good handle on HTML fundamentals, you should start working on your own projects as soon as possible. You could base each project around a specific competency you want to develop — for instance, a page with a complex layout of HTML tables — build a personal website, or just follow your inspiration to build a web page around a passion or hobby.
These projects will be a good test of your newfound HTML expertise and could form the basis of your professional portfolio. Or if your coding skills are potentially relevant to your career, your portfolio could take the form of a website with your resume, contact information, and examples of your work.
Are There HTML Books for Beginners?
Yes, there are many good HTML books for beginners to help you learn HTML, many of which also cover the basics of CSS and how the two languages are used together.
If you're just starting out learning HTML, any of the following books could be good supplemental reading along the way:
• HTML & CSS Quickstart Guide by David DuRocher
• Head First HTML and CSS by Elizabeth Robson and Eric Freeman
• Learn HTML for Beginners: The Illustrated Guide to Coding by Jo Foster
• HTML and CSS: Visual Quickstart Guide by Joe Casabona
• Murach's HTML5 and CSS3 by Anne Boehm and Zak Ruvalcaba
• Responsive Web Design with HTML5 and CSS by Ben Frain
Should I Learn HTML Before JavaScript?
Yes, most people should probably learn HTML before JavaScript, as HTML is considered the foundation of development and it has an easier learning curve than JavaScript.
Most Developers recommend learning HTML, CSS, and JavaScript in that order. HTML provides the basic structure of a web site, while CSS controls the appearance, presentation, and layout, and JavaScript controls the functionality and behavior of various elements on a page. Learning all three would be essential for anyone who wants to pursue a career as a professional Developer, but since HTML is at the core of every web page, it should be the priority for most learners.
Further, once you have built out a fundamental understanding of HTML structure (and after that, CSS as well), it will become much easier to learn not only JavaScript, but other programming languages including Python, Java, SQL, and PHP.
How Do HTML, CSS and JavaScript Work Together?
HTML, CSS, and JavaScript work together by web language providing different key elements of a website's overall appearance, content, and functionality. To put it simply, HTML provides the structure, CSS defines the visual layout and other elements, and JavaScript brings web pages to life, giving them movement and interactive features.
To use an analogy, HTML could be the physical body of a webpage, CSS would be that body's style, clothing, and accessories — with CSS you can define borders, custom fonts, background images, and more — and JavaScript dictates the way that body moves and behaves.
It is worth noting that when we talk about how HTML, CSS, and JavaScript work together, we are referring to front-end development. JavaScript can also be used for back-end development, but HTML and CSS do not have back-end applications.
