So… You want to learn how to design your own websites on the internet, but don’t know exactly where to start? Let me tell you, I was in the same position that you are in years ago, and I know how important it is to get started with learning the right things in a good order. So that is what we are going to do today. Below you will find a few of the great resources to get you off and going in the right direction.
What You Need To Learn:
Don’t Panic! The world wide web is vast to say the very least. Before you know it you might come across blog posts, forum threads and entire books pointing you in one direction or another. However, the best way to get into this pool is to simply dip your toe in ever so gently. Let’s talk bottom line, the goal is to be able to put a page with some text and who knows, maybe even a few pictures on the internet. In order to do that you really only need to know a few things…
Put It On The Page: Basic HTML
HTML is the base of all web efforts. HTML tells the browser what content it should display on any given page. Remember: HTML Controls the Content.
“HyperText Markup language: a set of standards, a variety of SGML, used to tag the elements of a hypertext document. It is the standard protocol for formatting and displaying documents on the World Wide Web.”
30 Days to Learn HTML & CSS (Free)
Perhaps one of the best and most comprehensive video series on the subject. I only wish that I had something like this to follow along with while I was first learning web design
W3 Schools HTML Tutorial (Free)
A still relevant standby. The W3 schools, while not always the subject of praise from the web development community can always be counted on for quality “best practice” information.
HTML & CSS – The VERY Basics (Free)
Chris Coyier is in many ways an “OG” as it pertains to web design and development tutorials and this one is no different. Follow along with Chris as he leads you step by step in understanding the basics.
Make It Pretty: CSS
CSS or Cascading Style Sheets allow for a designer to alter the appearance of the HTML placed on a given site. A CSS document will usually be called something like “Style.css” and linked to at some point at the top of an HTML document.
Remember: CSS is for colors, layout and more. However CSS does not control content.
30 Days to Learn HTML & CSS (Free)
As stated above, this tutorial is simply one of the best out there, and the CSS tips are no different!
W3 Schools: CSS Tutorial (Free)
Need help learning CSS? W3 Schools have your back. Also you may want to bookmark their page as it will be an instrumental reference for everyday questions about web design.
CSS From Noob To Ninja (Premium)
The first premium tutorial on our list, and for good reason. Noob to Ninja covers just about every nook and cranny there is in basic CSS. Once through this course you will be ready to jump into just about any CSS environment.
Give it A Place To Stay:
You have done it, if you have followed the tutorials found above then you have likely created a basic web page, styled it and are ready to put it on the web. The only thing you need now is a place to put it and a way to upload your content.
Software:
FileZilla (Free & Awesome)
It is an industry standard for a reason. FileZilla is absolutely free and incredible. Chances are, FileZilla is installed on nearly every single web designer or developers computer right now.
Transmit by Panic (Premium + MAC Only)
You need to transfer files. Maybe to an FTP or SFTP server. You need Transmit, the #1 Mac OS X
Hosting:
A Place to Call Home:
Hostdime
HostDime provides quality and reliable managed web hosting, reseller hosting, dedicated servers, and shared hosting for clients around the Globe.
Site5:
Site5 offers speedy hosting at incredible rates. Simply upload your shiny new documents and you will be up and running in no time!