Chapter 2 HTML Basics
This chapter gets you started on your very first web page. You'll be introduced to Hypertext Markup Language (HTML), the language used to create web pages; eXtensible Hypertext Markup Language (XHTML), the most recent standardized version of HTML; and HTML5, the newest version of HTML. The chapter begins with an introduction to the syntax of HTML5; continues with sample web pages; and introduces HTML structural, phrase, and hyperlink elements as more example web pages are created. You will learn more if you work along with the sample pages in the text. Coding HTML is a skill, and every skill improves with practice.
Browsers
Which browser is currently most popular? A recent survey by StatCounter shows Google Chrome as the most popular browser with over 63% market share. Other popular browsers include Safari, Firefox, and Samsung Internet. The log file and/or log reports provided by your web host will inform you about your visitors' browser preferences.
Resources & Chapter Links
W3C & HTML5 Resources
Browser Downloads
- Firefox
- Web Developer Extension for Firefox
- Microsoft Edge
- Chrome
- Opera
- Safari
- Mobile Browser Opera mini simulator
Text Editor Resources
Showing File Extensions
The Web Development Profession
Web development is a field that is ever-changing.
What’s a web developer to do?
Consider joining one or more professional organizations.
The World Organization of Webmasters (WOW) is a leading organization in providing certification and educational resources to web professionals in all phases of their career. WOW offers a variety of resources for web developers including workshops, webinars, courses, and the Web Professonal Minute. Visit the web sites of these organizations to find out if there is a local chapter near you. If there are no local chapters, perhaps you can join the national organization and be a founder of a new local chapter right in your area.
Some web developers also consider joining an organization such as the HTML Writer's Guild which recently merged with the International Association of Webmasters. This organization offers online classes in technologies related to web development. It also provides listservs for members to discuss issues related to the web world including HTML, XML, CSS, and the business of web development.
Meeting (virtually or in-person) with other information technology students and professionals can help you develop skills and may even open some doors for you when you are ready for your first (or next) job.
Review Activities
Review game activities are available for this chapter.
Check your knowledge of chapter terms and concepts.
Chapter Updates
- Page 52, Figure 2.22
A corrected Figure 2.22 is available.
Questions or Comments?
The author would like to hear from you! Send an e-mail to webdevfoundations@gmail.com