HTML: The Basics

HTML is the language of the internet. To many it is just an abstract concept that they know of but don’t know how to do. The concept of HTML seems intimidating to most people, but in reality it isn’t quite as scary as people think. It is the basis of every website, and it is constantly growing and changing with the needs of users. HTML stands for HyperText Markup Language. Let’s break that down.

What does it all mean?

HyperText is the way we move around the internet. We click on hyperlinks to navigate around pages and to new pages. There is no set order in which things must be done, and you can click around as much as you want or need. Sometimes hyperlinks are as simple as blue font with an underline, and yet other times it is an image that takes the visitor to another page. There’s much that can be accomplished with hyperlinking.

HTML tags markup text. Tags can make words italicized, bold, color, underlined, or any combination amongst other things. Every decision about font, backgrounds, and more is made in the coding of the website. HTML is a language used in web design, programming, and more. It is amazing how a series of characters have created the entire content of the web!

How does it work?

HTML is made up of a series of short codes that show up as web content on a website. Oftentimes it is used alongside CSS and JavaScript to build websites. If you have ever wondered what that Notepad program is for on your computer, this is it. HTML is often written in no frills Notepad then inserted into the backend of the website. When a visitor types in the website’s address it shows them the functional website, not the HTML that was used to build it.

One mistake in the HTML code of a website can make the entire thing non-functional. Proofreading and careful implementation is important in building a website. Finding mistakes can be a frustrating endeavor, so carefully entering each item is necessary.

So why should I care?

Even if a business plans to hire a professional to develop their website, it is still important to know and understand HTML. It makes it easier to manage any small changes to the site as well as provide the background to communicate effectively with the web development team. The more a business knows about web development the better it can manage its web presence.

HTML is the language of the internet, and the more you know the better you can do for your business.