How Hard Is it To Learn HTML and CSS?

Learning how to code is a vital component of becoming a web or software developer. While it’s not the easiest subject to pick up on your own, it’s very achievable to learn with the help of mentors from a coding bootcamp or college setting.

The basic building blocks of web design are HTML (Hyper Text Markup Language) and CSS (Cascading Style Sheets). These are the two most commonly used languages in a developer’s toolkit and are fundamental for learning how to code. Grasping the basics of HTML and CSS takes some dedicated work, but within weeks you can start using both for basic web design.

What’s the best way to learn HTML and CSS?

For students brand new to coding, it’s helpful to find mentors or a certification program to get started. While getting a job as a full-fledged web developer can take a great deal of time and energy, learning the basics of coding doesn’t take years. Immersive bootcamps, like those offered at Eleven Fifty Academy, take students through coding fundamentals in a matter of weeks.

How is HTML used?

HTML is required for putting together the structure of a website. Think of it as the frame of a house.

All websites are built upon HTML, which makes it a required tool for all kinds of developers. Understanding how it works will make it possible for you to create websites from the inside-out. HTML is used for every web page’s content creation whether it’s designing a layout or adding in images and navigation icons. The current version is HTML5.

What is CSS?

CSS goes hand-in-hand with HTML. Where HTML is the frame of a house, CSS is the paint color, the doorknobs, windows, shutters and lights. The current version is CSS3.

After designing the structure and layout, developers use CSS to bring a website to life with color, fonts, and visual effects. There are three basic types of CSS: Internal, external, and inline.

Internal (or embedded) CSS is used to style a single HTML page. On the other hand, external CSS is an external style sheet used to define a style for multiple HTML pages. Inline CSS is only used for styling a single HTML element. All are useful for coders and help developers differentiate various aesthetic goals across a website.

As with learning any new language, the more you practice, the more proficient you’ll become. After learning the basics, it’s important to keep practicing by building your own website using both HTML and CSS to test your skills. Not only will you gain vital experience in website creation, but you’ll also inevitably have to problem-solve along the way. 

Are HTML and CSS enough to become a web developer?

While HTML and CSS are crucial for paving the way for your career in web development, you’ll need to learn more programming languages to make your websites functional. HTML and CSS will help you build layouts and static websites, but interactivity is created through languages such as JavaScript. 

JavaScript is a natural stepping stone after HTML and CSS and before diving into more complex languages such as JQuery or GitHub. JavaScript, while one of the oldest programming languages out there, is just as useful now as it was when it was created. JavaScript will allow you to create features such as audio and video streaming, interactive game playing, and zooming in and out of infographics or images.

Is Python worth learning?

Many web developers today use Python in their work because of its ease of use and versatility. Python is an easy language to learn and is a great segue to expanding your coding language repertoire after gaining knowledge of HTML and CSS. 

Python is sometimes referred to as the Swiss Army Knife of programming languages because it can be used in so many different scenarios. Rather than being tied to a specific type of use, it’s versatile enough for website design, application creation, and even formatting chatbots. 

Is web design a dying career?

Far from it. Web design is one of the fastest-growing industries, as tech companies continue to flourish around the globe. Learning how to code will help you land a job as a developer and begin earning a competitive salary. Entry-level web developers can earn upwards of $60,000 per year, depending on location and level of education.

How can I learn HTML and CSS for free?

Fortunately, you don’t have to commit tens of thousands of dollars and years of your life to learn HTML and CSS. Eleven Fifty Academy hosts regular free online tutorials that teach the basics of HTML and CSS syntax and how both are written. 

From there, you can decide if a full coding bootcamp is right for you. Consider enrolling in a part- or full-time web or software development online course at Eleven Fifty.