Did you know that over 94 percent of all websites use HTML, while over 96 percent use CSS? These two coding languages are the very foundations of the websites we use daily. In fact, the website you’re reading this article on is based on HTML and styled using CSS. So, if you want to learn web development, fully grasping the fundamentals of HTML and CSS are crucial, especially when developing at a higher level.
In this Idea Maker guide, we’re going to take you through the basics of HTML and CSS so you can get started with your first website development. Keep reading to learn more.
What Is HTML?
HTML, or Hyper-Text Markup Language, is an official web standard that allows coders to create web pages using various tags and elements that modify page structure, font colors, font style, and image placement. Notice the term “official web standard” instead of “development language?” Well spotted. This is because HTML is no longer considered a development language, as it’s not able to produce dynamic functionality. However, for the purposes of this article, we’ll continue to refer to it as a language.
What Is CSS?
CSS, or Cascading Style Sheets, is a companion language to HTML. Though CSS is not strictly necessary, without it HTML web pages are often poorly formatted and, frankly, ugly. While HTML might take care of a website’s content and structure, CSS is responsible for formatting, style, design, and overall appeal.
Essential HTML Tags
In order to properly set up a HTML document, there are several crucial tags you need to know. These are as follows:
- <!DOCTYPE html> – This tag should be placed at the beginning of your document, as it signals to web browsers what type of document is being loaded.
- <html></html> – This tag signifies the beginning and end of your HTML document. All website content and further tags should be placed between these two tags. As you can see, the use of a “/” signifies the end of a tag and where its effect or content ends.
- <head></head> – Information added to this tag does not appear on your web page. This tag is used to signal additional information to search engines and web browsers, such as the page’s title and meta description. These can be added using <title></title> and <meta></meta>.
- <body></body> – Your web page’s content and additional tags will go between the body tags.
These tags must be inputted into your HTML web page only once and in the above listed order. Otherwise, your web page will encounter errors.
Aside from the essential tags, you’ll need to know how to load a CSS stylesheet into your HTML. This is done by using the follow tag:
- <link rel=”stylesheet” href=”mystyle.css”>
Here, the “rel” denotes what type of document you’re trying to import into your HTML file, and the “href” allows you to locate your stylesheet by name. Ideally, you will use a script editor with multiple document tabs, making stylesheet loading simple. Otherwise, make sure your CSS file is in the same location as your HTML document.
Alternatively, you can simply write your CSS code directly in your HTML document between the <style></style> tags. If you choose this method, ensure that your style tags are placed below your head tags and above your body tags.
Essential CSS Properties
Unlike HTML, CSS uses “properties.” These signal to web browsers how certain HTML elements should appear when displayed. What’s more, a CSS stylesheet doesn’t necessarily have to follow a rigid structure like a HTML doc, as you may not wish to style all elements.
Unlike HTML tags, CSS properties are opened and closed using brackets { }. The property name refers to the correlating HTML element. Code can be inputted within the brackets to modify said elements. Most properties are fairly self-explanatory:
- background-color: lightblue; – This can be used to change the background color of a web page when inputted in the body section. Notice how the syntax is spread across multiple lines, and how a semicolon is used to signify the end of this parameter. Of course, the command following the colon can be changed depending on your preferences.
body { background-color: lightblue; } - color: red; – This property can be used to change the color of HTML elements, such as headings and text.
h1 { color: red; } - margin-left: 30px; – This property is used to determine the position of an element relative to the browser window. Whatever element the property is associated with will sit 30 pixels from the page’s left margin. This property can be changed to margin-right.
h1 { color: red; margin-left: 30px; } - max-width: 100%; – This property is used to determine the width, or height, of an element relative to the browser size. For instance, when set to 100 percent, an image will appear in its original resolution and resize accordingly as the browser window size changes. This is an excellent property to know when building responsive websites. In the below code, “img” refers to all images added to your HTML web page.
img { max-width: 100%; max-height: 50%; }
How to Build a Website With HTML and CSS Using a Template
If you’re planning to build a website from scratch using HTML and CSS then, with the above tags and properties, you’re ready to make a start. All you need is a script editor like Notepad++ or Komodo. However, if you’re not ready to jump in at the deep end, you can choose to build a HTML website using a template.
-
Pick a Template Homepage Design
There are many websites that offer extensive libraries of attractive HTML website templates, such as Bootstrap and Envato Market. Generally, the best HTML website templates are paid, especially if you’re looking for dynamic functionality. However, as you’ll be customizing your template for yourself, a free one should do the job.
When choosing a HTML website template, make sure to select one that is responsive, easily customizable, and comes with any necessary design assets. If you’re unable to find a HTML website template that satisfies your requirements, you should consider either hiring an expert website developer or exploring WordPress theme development instead.
Related Page: A Complete Guide To WordPress Theme Development in 2022
-
Update Stylesheet
Once you’ve found and downloaded a HTML website template, you’ll need to update its stylesheet to reflect your chosen colors and design preferences. Depending on the template, you’ll find its stylesheet either at the top of the HTML document or below the head tags. Otherwise, the HTML template should have been downloaded in a folder containing a CSS file. Once located, go ahead and make whatever changes are necessary. Remember, updating the CSS sheet will on change the website’s aesthetics and formatting, it will not affect content or site structure.
-
Add Personalized Content
Next, it’s time to turn the HTML code and add personalized content. As you look through your HTML document, you’ll notice many heading and paragraph text filled with filler content. Oftentimes, you’ll see the industry standard placeholder text “lorem ipsum,” which is a made up and meaningless language, created for the purposes of design.
When you come across instances of placeholder text and headings, go ahead and update them with your own content. If you’ve already modified your stylesheet to reflect your design preferences, you should not have to make any further changes regarding style and format.
In the HTML document you will also find images referenced using this tag:
- <img src=“imagename.jpg” alt=”place holder image” width=”500″ height=”600″>
In this code, “src” specifies the source of the image you wish to include on your website – it should be saved in the same folder as your HTML document – and “alt” specifies the images alt tag for SEO and accessibility purposes.
-
Upload Website to Web Host
Once you’ve finished customizing your HTML website template and are satisfied with the results, it’s time to upload your document to a web host. This process will depend on your web hosting provider. Excellent web hosting and domain name providers to consider include GoDaddy and Domain.com.Generally speaking, you’ll need to install a File Transfer Protocol (FTP) client, such as FileZilla. You’ll then be able to connect to your web host using a server link provided by them, which will give you access to your servers folder. There, you can upload your HTML and CSS document, along with any required assets.
Problems with Template Sites
Compared to building a HTML website completely from scratch, template websites are a convenient and fast way to create a site. However, there are several drawbacks to using a template site instead of developing a custom website.
Slow Loading
HTML template websites are not made for optimum performance or search engine optimization. In fact, many HTML template sites are riddled with bloatware, usually CSS animations added for aesthetic appeal. Although this improves the look and feel of the website, bloatware significantly reduces site load time, damaging your search engine rankings.
Low Functionality
Template websites are cheap and cheerful, meaning they do the job in terms of design, but fall short regarding functionality. For example, if you’re looking to build an online store or customer portal, using a template site is not a viable option.
Low Flexibility
Although you might be able to customize a HTML website template to a degree, customization options are limited. This is because templates are typically designed to serve simple purposes, not with substantial customizations in mind. Fully personalized sites require custom development; templates will not suffice.
Want to Save Yourself Some Time?
Unless you’re happy to endure the disadvantages of template websites without adequate customization, building a website from scratch is a challenging and time consuming process. Why not hire the experts at Idea Maker and save yourself some time and effort? Our team of experienced website developers are at your disposal, to create stunning and functionally effective sites that meet your requirements. Schedule a free consultation with us today to learn more.
