Learning HTML can be a daunting prospect for those just starting out in web development. But the rewards can be great, as HTML forms the foundation of all webpages, and is the base language used to create them. Understanding the basics of HTML is an essential skill for any web developer, and this guide will help get you started.
This guide is designed for the absolute beginner, so no prior knowledge of HTML is assumed. We’ll cover the essential elements of HTML and provide you with a solid foundation for further exploration.
What is HTML?
HTML stands for Hypertext Markup Language. It is a coding language used to create websites and webpages. HTML consists of elements, or tags, that indicate to the browser how to display text, images, and other page elements.
HTML is not a programming language, meaning it does not have the ability to create dynamic content. Instead, it is simply used to structure the layout of a webpage.
The Anatomy of an HTML Document
Every HTML document consists of two parts: the head and the body. The head contains information about the document, such as the title and metadata, while the body contains all of the content that is visible on the webpage.
The head element is opened with an opening tag and closed with a closing tag. Inside the head element, you can place meta tags, title tags, and other elements that provide information about the webpage.
The body element is opened with an opening tag and closed with a closing tag. Inside the body element, you can place text, images, and other page elements that are visible to the end user.