In high school, I watched a European tech show because of the accent and the featured websites. We didn’t have an Internet or a computer back then.
I was amazed with the abundance of information and creativity in the featured websites.
There I was wondering how the websites are made. Wondering . . . all the time.
Although the degree I took in college was related to Computer Science, I didn’t learn how to make a website from my teachers.
So I went to the library and read books about HTML instead of mathematics.
Before I graduated in college, the house has a DSL connection and a desktop computer I shared with my tech-savvy sister.
It seemed like I’ll be more than a spectator compare to the time I watched the European tech show.
It was timed for me to figure out how to learn HTML and CSS for free.
And how is it possible?
I owe it to the people who took the time to create a website and share their knowledge on the Internet. It’s time to pay it forward and share to others who are just about to start exploring their creativity in the cyberspace.
I’ve never vouched with so much confidence, till now.
So here it goes.
My All-Time Favourite Resources to Learn HTML and CSS for Free
1. Dave’s Site
“Serving the world wide web since 1996,” is the tag line of Dave’s Site. It’s been on the Internet way too long even before I discovered the website.
This was the first and best beginner resource for HTML and CSS that I found when I’m was starting to code.
I’m sure of that because I’ve read every page.
I tried all the codes using the Internet Explorer (Firefox doesn’t exist yet at that time) and notepad.
Till this day, I use the hard copy of the lessons; I occasionally refer to it when I’m stuck. I’ve thrown away the other outdated printouts I collected but not from Dave’s Site.
What’s New
It has been a decade since I scoured the site, and a lot was added throughout the years:
- I noticed that Dave has a JavaScript tutorial, a topic that I’ve been wanting to learn. The page doesn’t have much content yet.
- You can learn using your iPad: Web Design Basics – HTML and CSS Code
Advice for HTML and CSS Beginner
The web is full of tutorials nowadays that it’s hard to decide and start.
And if you do, it’s difficult to stay on track because the tutorial is not a good fit (too complicated, imbalance of lesson and practice etc.).
I suggest you to give Dave’s Site a try especially if you like to learn from books. At least that’s how I see it when I printed the pages for reference.
The lessons will allow you to progress from basic to the advance level.
Don’t worry if it takes time for the information to sink in. Keep practicing.
Don’t be put off by the simplicity of the site either. It’s the factor that can help you learn in no time. All for free.
You can start with HTML here then move on to CSS, web design, and web hosting. Or choose the topic that you find interesting the most.
2. Lissa Explains It All
It still look the same. Lissa Explains It All is the “HTML Helps and Tutorial for Kids.”
Lissa created the site for kids when she was just an eleven year old. Well she’s not a kid anymore.
I’m not embarrassed to admit I learned a lot from the site; I had fun learning on this site because of how it is presented with creativity.
The color, tone of writing, and the awesome content.
Lissa Explains is less complicated and daunting. With all the colors how can you be discouraged to learn HTML and CSS.
If you know someone, a teenager perhaps, you can tell them the story of Lissa. I’m sure they’ll be inspired to start learning.
Lissa proved that you are never too young nor old to start learning how to code. All you need is courage
If you find the site too easy then you should try the next resource.
3. HTML Goodies
Once I outgrown Dave’s Site and Lissa Explains, I moved on to HTML Goodies, “The Ultimate HTML Resource.”
When I want to learn something new and found other interesting topic on a website, I often lose focus.
So my advice for the beginners: focus on the PRIMERS section of HTML Goodies.
Choose one topic and stick to it.
I know it’s hard but it’s the best way to progress day after day.
Conclusion
I honestly don’t know which websites should you start with, but what I do know is all the websites I’ve mentioned are great resource to learn HTML and CSS from scratch.
You don’t have to invest on anything other than a browser and text editor.
Whichever you choose to start with, remember to FOCUS on your goal.
Whether you want to learn how to create a simple website or want to learn something new, keep in mind your goal.
It takes time. Have patience.
You’ll encounter lots of challenges but it’s all worth it.
I never regret learning HTML and CSS more than a decade ago.
In fact, I’m not sure if I’ll become a blogger without learning the basics of web design.
Learning the basic of HTML and CSS makes it easier to start blogging.
But if you don’t know how to code and wants to start blogging, start writing anyway.
You can learn along the way.
What is your best resource of learning HTML and CSS? Share in the comments.
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