Like most things, learning HyperText Markup Language (HTML) may seem difficult at first, but it is really not hard to understand. With a little time, patience, and effort, most people can learn the basics in no time. In fact, there are many resources on the Internet that make learning this language simple and fast, and some are even free.
HTML is a markup language used for creating web pages that utilize hypertext. It may also be used for the creation of other types of information intended for display using a web browser. A markup language basically combines text with information about that text, such as how it should be displayed. Hypertext is basically text that is linked to other text or data. Essentially, therefore, this is a language for telling a web browser what to show on a web page.
It is best for individuals to start learning HTML with the basics and move on when they feel comfortable. For example, to make the word start show up in a web browser in bold print, a programmer would simply type the following: <b> start </b>. Once the person has typed this, he has just written a word using HTML tags. Tags begin with < and end with >. The same effect can also be produced by typing <strong> start </strong>. Using tags, a programmer can manipulate the text to do many different things.
It is important to note that the information between the < and > signs is the actual tag. If a person types <em> learn </em>, he will instruct the web browser to italicize the word learn. Tags can use either capital or lower case letters.
A simple HTML tutorial can give a student a good start towards learning the language. To make things easy, people should choose a tutorial that breaks information down into bite-sized chunks. Students may also want to look for a tutorial that uses more everyday language and less technical terminology. That way, they can ensure that they get through each section without feeling as if their head is spinning. People can always learn the really technical details later, if they wish.
Some individuals create web pages without ever learning this programming language. Instead, they choose to use HTML editing programs or what you see is what you get (WYSIWYG) editors for web page creation. There are many situations in which knowing the coding can come in handy, however, and site creators can be more creative with a little knowledge.