Have you heard that to build a website, you need to learn how to code?
Although this isn’t necessarily true, learning to code yourself can save you money in the long run.
In fact, learning HTML and CSS can even be your step towards a booming career in the technology industry or a gorgeous website that you control.
You may find that by learning code, you’ll not only benefit in relevant jobs but also in irrelevant job applications.
This is partially because you’ll be able to show that you’ve got a range of desirable and even very diverse skills.
However, it can feel very overwhelming to learn code. So, in this article, you’ll find some actionable tips and the best way to learn HTML and CSS.
What is HTML and CSS?
Firstly, to learn something, you need to know what it is. HTML stands for “Hypertext Markup Language.”
CSS stands for “Cascading Style Sheets.” But, this doesn’t mean much, so what do they do?
Well, HTML and CSS are two technologies behind web pages. Basically, HTML gives your web page its structure.
Meanwhile, CSS is used to create the visuals and layouts of the pages. It is the language which is used to control fonts and colors too.
By learning HTML and CSS, you can learn how to create responsive web pages which are perfect for your customers.
Why Should I Learn HTML and CSS?
If your company is currently on a budget, you may find that learning HTML and CSS is the cheapest way to get a website built.
Hiring a website designer is a luxury which smaller companies can’t afford when they’re just starting out.
By teaching yourself, you can save a lot of money in the long run. But, this does potentially mean that you’ll need to spend money on courses.
Perhaps do some number crunching to find out whether hiring a website designer is cheaper than learning to code yourself. Most of the time, you’ll find it’s not!
Another reason to learn HTML and CSS is that they’re the basic building blocks for coding. You may have heard of other codes such as PHP or JavaScript.
But, it’s recommended that, rather than jumping in at the deep end, you learn HTML and CSS first before building on your knowledge. Learn to walk before you can run!
Learn HTML and CSS for Free Online
Before you pay for expensive classes, it’s worth first getting a sense of what HTML and CSS is like to learn online.
By finding an online course, you’ll be able to pick up the basics in no time. In fact, many people teach themselves to code this way.
However, after a few weeks of working with an online course, you might find that you lack the motivation to teach yourself and need to attend classes in person.
Whatever works for you is great! Don’t be dissuaded. Check out these options for online learning:
1. Codecademy – this is one of the most popular options. It offers structure, free courses and a community of teachers and students.
2. Lynda – you can find free videos about the best way to learn HTML, and there is also a mobile app so you can learn while you’re on the go.
3. W3Schools – this website is great for those just starting out as it offers many free courses. If you complete a course, you’ll need to pay for the certificate.
Best Way to Learn HTML on YouTube
Nowadays, the younger generations turn to YouTube and Google to answer their questions and solve their problems.
Why should this be any different when it comes to learning to code? The best way to learn HTML and CSS is from someone else who knows what they’re doing.
So, find a tutor online and follow their lead! Of course, you could find an actual tutor, but why not check out YouTube first? A few useful videos include:
1. Derek Banas’ 15 Minute Tutorial which has 587,026 views. (Who doesn’t want to learn a new skill if it takes such a short amount of time?)
2. Traversy Media offers a crash course which has 475,589 views. This video is an hour long and really goes into detail for beginners.
3. Traversy Media also offers a crash course for beginners of CSS. This is a continuation of the video above and is part of a series.
4. Zenva offers a video which gives the basics in two hours. Better get comfortable and ready for some learning!
A great way to find the best YouTube video to learn from is by checking the comments before you watch. Does the consensus seem to be that it’s a great video? If so, get learning!
Paid Resources Online for Learning HTML and CSS
If you’ve found that some of the free resources online are working well for you, then why not find a longer course?
You’re likely to need to spend some money on courses which last for longer periods and offer teacher support, but it could be very useful in your learning.
A great option for learning HTML and CSS online is with Udemy. This website is a “global marketplace” for teachers and students.
If you’re feeling confident with your HTML and CSS ability, then why not check out the “language of the new era”, Coder. Discover more!
Learning HTML and CSS with Books
Although it’s counter-intuitive, learning HTML and CSS via a book is a very helpful way for many people to learn.
By learning theory with a book, you can get the basics down. Although, this depends on what time of learner you are.
Then, once you’ve done this, you can then move on over to your computer to start coding in practice. A few good books which offer the best way to learn HTML include:
1. “HTML, XHTML, and CSS for Dummies” is a great reference and useful for those who are learning the basics but need some key information always at their fingertips.
2. “HTML and CSS: Design and Build Websites” by Jon Duckett is another useful book to start learning the basics from.
Start Learning HTML and CSS Today
If you’re loving learning HTML and CSS, then why not start building your website further and learn more codes?
By learning code, you can ensure that you’ll be in charge of what happens to your website. What’s not to love about that?
Now that you’ve chosen the best way to learn HTML for you, you’re likely to have some of your own top tips up your sleeve. Let us know what they are!
