Introduction to HTML: What is HTML and Why Should You Learn It?

What is HTML?

HTML (HyperText Markup Language) is the standard language used to create and structure web pages. Think of it as the skeleton of a website—it defines the layout, text, images, links, and other elements you see in your browser.

Key Facts About HTML:

Not a programming language: HTML doesn’t handle logic like Python or JavaScript—it’s a markup language that structures content.
Works with CSS & JavaScript: While HTML provides the structure, CSS styles it, and JavaScript makes it interactive.
Universal & beginner-friendly: All browsers understand HTML, and it’s one of the easiest coding languages to learn.

How Does HTML Work?

When you visit a website, your browser reads the HTML document (usually an .html file) and renders it as a visual page. Here’s a simple breakdown:

You write HTML code in a text editor (like VS Code, Notepad++, or even a basic text editor).
Save the file with .html extension (e.g., index.html).
Open it in a browser, and the browser translates the code into a webpage.

Example of a Basic HTML Page:

				
					<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>
<head>
    <title>My First Webpage</title>
</head>
<body>
    <h1>Hello, World!</h1>
    <p>This is my first HTML page.</p>
</body>
</html>

<!DOCTYPE html> tells the browser this is an HTML5 document.
<html> is the root element of the page.
<head> contains meta-information (like the title).
<body> holds the visible content (headings, paragraphs, images, etc.).

Key HTML Tags Every Beginner Should Know

HTML uses tags (enclosed in angle brackets, like <tag>) to define elements. Here are the most common ones:

Tag	Purpose	Example
`<h1>` to `<h6>`	Headings (h1 = most important)	`<h1>Main Title</h1>`
`<p>`	Paragraph	`<p>This is a paragraph.</p>`
`<a>`	Hyperlink	`<a href="https://example.com">Visit Example</a>`
`<img>`	Image (self-closing)	`<img src="photo.jpg" alt="Description">`
`<ul>`, `<ol>`, `<li>`	Lists (unordered & ordered)	`<ul><li>Item 1</li></ul>`
`<div>`	Container for styling/grouping	`<div>Content here</div>`

Why Learn HTML in 2024?

Even with advanced website builders (like WordPress or Wix), knowing HTML is incredibly valuable because:

✅ Control Over Your Content – Fix formatting issues, tweak layouts, and embed custom elements.
✅ Essential for Web Careers – Front-end development, UX/UI design, and digital marketing all require HTML knowledge.
✅ Better Collaboration with Developers – Understand how websites work, making teamwork smoother.
✅ Foundation for Learning Other Tech – Master HTML first, then move to CSS, JavaScript, and frameworks like React.

How HTML Works with CSS and JavaScript

HTML = Structure (The skeleton)
CSS = Styling (The design & colors)
JavaScript = Functionality (The interactivity)

Example:

				
					<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>
<head>
    <title>Styled Page</title>
    <style>
        body { font-family: Arial; background: #f4f4f4; }
        h1 { color: blue; }
    </style>
</head>
<body>
    <h1>Welcome!</h1>
    <button onclick="alert('Clicked!')">Click Me</button>
</body>
</html>

CSS (inside <style>) makes the heading blue.
JavaScript (via onclick) triggers an alert when the button is clicked.

Getting Started with HTML

Ready to try it yourself? Here’s how:

Open a text editor (VS Code, Sublime Text, or Notepad).
Write basic HTML (use the example above).
Save as .html (e.g., test.html).
Open in a browser (double-click the file).

Final Thoughts

HTML is the gateway to web development—simple to learn but powerful in its applications. Whether you’re building a personal blog, optimizing a business site, or starting a tech career, mastering HTML gives you the foundation to grow.

Next Steps: