Your Beginner’s Guide To HTML & CSS Coding For Web Design
By Sam Nguyen
Strap in for a ride through the basics of HTML & CSS, right up to advanced strategies for designing your website.
Key Takeaways
- In web design, front-end code handles what users see and interact with, using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. The back-end, using languages like PHP, Ruby, and Python, manages behind-the-scenes tasks like data storage and security. Being skilled in both creates a complete and effective website.
- Budding web designers can learn coding from sites like Codecademy, Code.org, and W3Schools. Looking at standout websites like Apple, Nike, and Airbnb can also provide design inspiration, highlighting key concepts like simplicity, engaging content, and user-focused design.
Understanding the Basics
What is code for web design?
Code is like the digital building blocks for all online platforms, from websites to apps. Imagine it as a digital LEGO that pieces together to make functional, often amazing, products. When you see movie characters “hack,” you’re actually seeing code. It’s text with symbols like “< >” or “;” guiding the computer’s actions. These codes combine to shape our online experiences.
For web design, code splits into two parts: front-end and back-end. The front-end is what you see and touch, like text, buttons, and pictures on a site. This involves the look and feel of a website and uses languages such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. The back-end, hidden from us, manages crucial tasks like security and data storage using languages like PHP, Ruby, and Python.
Why is it important?
Code serves as the foundation of the digital world we inhabit today. It is the invisible framework behind every software, mobile application, website, and digital tool we interact with.
Code translates our intentions into actions, allowing us to build intricate systems, solve complex problems, and even create digital art. It underpins technological advancements, driving innovation and efficiency, and it offers us unprecedented opportunities for communication, creativity, and collaboration.
Without code, the digital transformation and technological marvels of the modern age would simply not exist. The importance of code, therefore, extends beyond mere lines of instructions; it is the DNA of our digital existence, shaping the way we live, work, and connect.
Coding Fundamentals
Types of coding for web design
HTML: The Building Blocks of Your Website
HTML, or HyperText Markup Language, serves as the foundation of your website. Although it’s technically considered a markup language rather than a programming language, it’s generally included in discussions about coding due to its integral role in web development. HTML controls your site’s basic structure and content, handling elements such as text, buttons, and formatting.
Imagine constructing a house; HTML would be the bricks and mortar. It lays down the walls, the rooms, and even where the windows will go. But at this point, it’s all gray and lifeless. That’s where CSS comes in.
CSS: The Artist Behind the Scene
CSS, which stands for Cascading Style Sheets, is responsible for the aesthetics of your site. If HTML lays out what’s on the page, CSS tells it how to look, specifying elements like colors, fonts, and sizes. With CSS, you can turn your HTML-structured gray house into a home with color-coordinated rooms, wall art, and couch cushions.
Simply put, anything you can see on a website—from the color scheme to the font type—is more than likely determined by CSS. Mastering CSS allows you to paint your digital canvas with a palette limited only by your imagination.
JavaScript: Bringing Interactivity to Your Site
While HTML and CSS control your site’s “what” and “how,” JavaScript governs its interactions. In that case, JavaScript dictates what happens when that button is clicked, whether submitting a form, opening a new page, or triggering a dropdown menu.
JavaScript is the spark that brings your site to life. It turns a static webpage into an interactive, dynamic experience for users. This language is crucial for creating web applications and anything that enhances user engagement.
Back-end code: The Power Behind the Curtain
So far, we’ve discussed front-end languages that control what happens on the site itself. But what about the action behind the scenes? Back-end codes like PHP, Java, Python, etc., manage things like user login credentials, account settings, and emails. It’s the machinery in the basement, the engine under the hood.
If you’re building a website from scratch, you’ll also need to manage cloud infrastructure components like provisioning EC2 instances, DNS, and SSL certificates. If this seems overwhelming, you might consider opting for hosting services to handle these aspects, allowing you to focus on your site’s content and design.
Web design with code process
Design From Scratch
Step 1: Define Your Site
Defining the purpose and audience is crucial when designing a personal blog, a portfolio, or a business website. Identify the essentials your site must offer. If it’s a business site, an inviting homepage, detailed business information, and contact information are mandatory.
Step 2: Choose a Server and Domain Name
Your website needs a home on the internet. Look for web hosting services that match your requirements and budget. Select an appropriate domain name that encapsulates your site’s essence. If unsure, consult the Better Business Bureau for ratings and recommendations.
Step 3: Learn Basic Web Development Languages
Even if you’re not aspiring to be a developer, learning HTML and CSS can help you understand the basics. HTML will help you place elements on your website, and CSS will assist you in styling those elements.
Step 4: Code Your Website With HTML/CSS
Start creating your web pages by coding them with HTML. Use tags like <a
to place different elements. Once the HTML skeleton is ready, bring it to life by styling it using CSS. You’ll use properties, rules, and selectors to design the appearance of your website.
Step 5: Add Interactivity With JavaScript
For added functionality like interactive forms, animations, or anything dynamic, use JavaScript. Though it may be a bit challenging to learn, it brings a world of possibilities.
Step 6: Use Bootstrap for Quick Styling
Bootstrap is an open-source framework that simplifies the design process. With its prebuilt components, you can save time and ensure your site is responsive across devices.
Step 7: Create a Sitemap
A sitemap helps in organizing your site’s content. It not only makes your website easier to navigate but also helps in SEO.
Step 8: Add Content and Optimize for SEO
Now, populate your site with compelling content and images. Make sure you use headers and titles that grab attention. Optimize your content with relevant keywords for better SEO performance.
Step 9: Optimize for Mobile
Ensure your website is responsive and mobile-friendly. Check its usability using Google’s Mobile-Friendly Test Tool.
Design With a Website Builder
Step 1: Choose a Website Builder
Select a platform like Shopify, Wix, or WordPress that offers a range of templates and plugins.
Step 2: Define Your Site
Just like designing from scratch, start by defining what you want your site to do.
Step 3: Choose a Template
Select a template that aligns with your website’s mission. Customize it to fit your brand’s aesthetics.
Step 4: Add Content
Fill in your content in the predefined sections of your template. Most website builders have drag-and-drop features, making this step particularly straightforward without the need for coding knowledge.
Step 5: Optimize for SEO
Though website builders often handle the technical aspects of SEO, you’ll still need to input relevant keywords and meta descriptions to make your site more discoverable.
Step 6: Optimize for mobile users
Most modern templates are mobile-responsive, but always preview your site on various devices to ensure it’s truly mobile-friendly.
Step 7: Publish your site
Once you’re satisfied with your site’s appearance and performance, hit the ‘Publish’ button.
Creating a website can be a fulfilling experience, whether coding it from scratch or using a website builder.
Where to learn code for web design?
Codecademy
Codecademy has an impressively comprehensive list of courses covering 15 programming languages essential for web design and beyond. For beginners who are not sure where to start, the platform offers a helpful quiz to provide course recommendations.
It provides a comprehensive curriculum that caters to a wide range of coding needs. If you’re unsure where to start, Codecademy even offers a helpful quiz to recommend courses based on your personal interests and skill level. However, while the platform offers a free basic plan, the full range of features comes at a cost. A monthly premium subscription is priced at $39.99, while an annual plan will set you back around $240.
Code.org
Code.org is a notable option. Hadi and Ali Partovi’s platform focuses on K-12 education and offers a playful, interactive approach to coding. The courses enable you to learn by building small games and apps and providing step-by-step instructions.
Despite being a valuable resource for beginners, especially younger learners, the courses are quite structured. This can limit opportunities for creative exploration and experimentation. The site is primarily aimed at children, and its initial courses tend to focus more on games rather than web design. The upside, however, is that all courses are entirely free.
W3Schools
W3Schools is highly recommended for absolute beginners. Jake Byman, a Senior Software Engineer, commends W3Schools for its comprehensive yet user-friendly approach. The website offers an extensive range of courses covering over 14 programming languages, all free. The platform is independent and committed to spreading the love for programming at no cost.
While the platform offers a wealth of knowledge, the sheer volume of information can sometimes be overwhelming, so it’s important to pace yourself.
5 Top Tips In Learning Code For Web Design
Embrace Mistakes in Coding
Mistakes in coding are okay; they help you learn. If you mess up, just correct it and move on. Often, even seasoned coders use trial and error.
Focus on One Language First
Before jumping to another programming language, master one. Start with HTML for basic web design, but don’t overlook others like PHP for essential site functions.
Practice to Understand
It’s one thing to learn a coding concept and another to understand it. After reading or watching tutorials, practice immediately. As the saying goes, “I do, and I understand.”
Be Patient
Coding can be challenging. Jake Byman, a Senior Software Engineer, advises new coders to have patience. Sometimes, a small mistake, like missing a semicolon, can be the culprit. Celebrate when you solve these issues; every coder starts somewhere.
Understand the Context
Each programming language has its strengths and ideal applications. As you learn, note what each language is best for. This knowledge will help you pick the right tool for each job.
5 Stunning Web Designs To Get Inspiration
1. Apple
Key Features:
- Minimalist Design: Apple‘s website is the epitome of minimalist design. It focuses on clean lines, ample white space, and intuitive navigation.
- High-Quality Imagery: The site showcases product images that are not just high-resolution but also extremely detailed.
- Smooth User Experience: The site features a seamless blend of text, images, and animations, providing a smooth scrolling experience.
If you’re aiming for a minimalist design, Apple’s website is the perfect canvas to study. The way they use whitespace emphasizes the products and makes for easy readability. Also, consider how using high-quality images can elevate the overall perception of your brand.
2. Nike
Key Features:
- Dynamic Content: The homepage frequently updates with new releases and features interactive elements.
- Expressive Photography: The use of action shots and emotive imagery helps the brand connect with the audience.
- Mobile-Responsive: The site is designed to look and function well on any device.
Nike is great at creating an emotional connection through visuals. Incorporating dynamic, emotive imagery can help your website resonate with your audience. Don’t forget to make sure that the design is mobile-responsive to reach a wider audience.
3. Airbnb
Key Features:
- Search-Centric: The search function is placed front and center, making it the focal point.
- Community-Focused: Reviews and experiences are highlighted to build trust.
- Personalization: The site offers personalized recommendations based on user behavior.
For platforms that rely on user-generated content or reviews, Airbnb’s design is a superb example. The focus on search functionality and user reviews can be an excellent guide for anyone looking to create a community-focused, user-friendly platform.
4. Squarespace
Key Features:
- Informative: The site is packed with information but presents it in an easy-to-digest format.
- Showcase of Features: Provides a clear, visual guide to its features, often through interactive demos.
- Call to Action: Every page leads you towards trying Squarespace or learning more.
If your product is service-based, especially in the tech sector, Squarespace provides a great blueprint. The site focuses on educating the users and leading them towards a clear call to action. Think about how you can break down complex information into digestible parts.
5. Behance
Key Features:
- Portfolio-Style: The layout is tailored for showcasing creative work.
- Variety of Media: Supports images, videos, and interactive elements.
- Community Interaction: Enables likes, shares, and comments directly on the platform.
For creatives or companies looking to display a portfolio, Behance is the gold standard. The layout is clean yet allows for various media types and direct interaction with the community. Consider implementing similar features if your website aims to showcase portfolios or creative work.
Wrapping up
Learning to code can seem like a steep hill to climb, but remember, the best mountaineers start with a single step. Armed with insights on where to learn to code for web design, you’re now well-prepared to take that pivotal step.
FAQs
- Understand the Basics: Start with HTML for structure and CSS for styling. Don’t rush into the advanced topics until you’ve grasped these core technologies.
- Practice Regularly: Just like any other skill, coding requires constant practice. You’ll learn more by actually coding than just reading or watching tutorials.
- Work on Projects: Real-world projects give you a practical understanding of how things work, which can’t be achieved through theoretical knowledge alone.
- Be Curious: Always keep questioning how things work and why they work that way. Curiosity will help you dig deeper into the subject.
- Learn to Debug: You’ll encounter issues and bugs. Learning to debug effectively is an invaluable skill in your coding arsenal.
- Stay Updated: Web design and development are ever-evolving fields. Always stay updated with the latest trends and technologies.
- Choose the Right Tools: Familiarize yourself with the text editor you’ll use for coding, like Visual Studio Code or Sublime Text.
- Understand the File Structure: Know where HTML, CSS, and JavaScript files go in the website directory.
- Start with HTML: Create the basic structure of the website. Focus on headings, paragraphs, links, and lists.
- Apply CSS: Once the HTML is in place, style it with CSS to make it visually appealing.
- Use JavaScript for Interactivity: Add interactive elements like buttons and forms using JavaScript.
- Test: Always test your website on multiple devices and browsers to ensure compatibility.
- Cross-Browser Incompatibility: Your site might not display properly across all web browsers.
- Slow Load Times: Heavy images or poor coding can slow down your site.
- Mobile Unfriendliness: Failure to optimize for mobile can alienate a significant portion of your audience.
- Security Flaws: Poor coding can lead to vulnerabilities, making your site a target for cyberattacks.
- Poor SEO Implementation: If your website’s code doesn’t follow SEO best practices, it might not rank well on search engines.
