Why should I learn HTML & CSS?
HTML (HyperText Markup Language) is the skeleton of a website, it gives it structure and content. CSS (Cascading Style Sheet) is like the skin, it controls what the webpage looks like. If you are reading this article then you use the internet and it never hurt to better understand something you use, some of us everyday. The answer to this question can vary greatly, you may have experienced a situation when you wished you knew just a little bit of code, or maybe you are just curious. Not too long ago if you wanted to build or modify a website you had to know HTML. But today, many sites are built using a CMS (Content Management System) which allows you to edit your website with a WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) editor, similar to using Microsoft Word or other familiar composing software and can be modified completely within your browser.
Still, there are times when just having a basic understanding of how HTML & CSS work will benefit you. Ultimately, this is one of those situations where you will find uses for it once you have it, and with Codecademy, it won’t take very long to gain that knowledge.
Codecademy
Codecademy.com is a great free online tool for learning HTML & CSS. By taking their Web Fundamentals course you will start with the basics and eventually learn to create and style an entire webpage. It can sound daunting but each lesson simply teaches you one element at a time and builds off the previous lesson. Someone completely new to coding can easily finish the course in a day or two.
In addition to HTML & CSS, Codecademy also has courses for PHP and Javascript – two powerful languages used throughout the web. You earn points by completing lessons and badges for completing courses. This gaming-style aspect makes the experience more enjoyable and encourages you to continue learning.
With your new found skills I’m sure you will quickly find ways to customize and improve the look and functionality of your website. Give it a try, it’s free, easy and fun.
