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Free Resources For Learning To Program In HTML
by Dan J. Fry, c. 2003-2004, All rights reserved.
If you decide at some point in your life to start an online
business, you simply cannot function without a web site. But, how
do you go about building your site? Amazon, Barnes and Noble,
Staples, and Office Depot, to name a few, have many books to
assist you in web programming. These cost both money and time.
HTML, or Hypertext Markup Language, was first developed by in. It
is undoubtedly the top web programming language. Online business
owners typically find themselves in an awkward position; Either
pay someone to build your web site, or take charge and spend the
time to learn how to program. The latter however, takes not only
time but money, something that new online business owners have
little of.
Fortunately, due to the primary function of the internet, there
are many who provide free resources by way of their own expertise
to assist others.
So, o.k. Dan, what are they?
(1) HTML Goodies (http://www.htmlgoodies.com) This resource is
listed first for a reason. I think it is the best free resource
available. It teaches by example, which is the best way to learn.
All of the basics and then some are covered: tags, tables, fonts,
colors, alignment, links, dhtml, backgrounds, images, forms
(2) Dave's Site Interactive Tutorial (http://www.davesite.com)
Covers all of the basics plus web site publishing and copyright
concerns. Also covers the generation of list items quite
extensively. The nicest feature is the ability to test the
concepts covered within the site. There is no need to copy and
paste to another text editor. Covers a bit of web design as well.
(3) University of Texas (http://www.utexas.edu/learn/html/). A
lot of basics. However, this site goes beyond by covering some
Javascript and dynamic programming. Another nice feature is the
extensive writeup of details regarding different html versions.
(4) HTML Code Tutorial (http://www.htmlcodetutorial.com/). I
absolutely love this site. Authored by Miko O'Sullivan the author
of The Idocs Guide To HTML. Very easy to use with lots of
examples.
(5) WebMonkey (http://hotwired.lycos.com/webmonkey/teachingtool/)
Part of the terra lycos network of sites, I frequently check with
WebMonkey if stuck on some small part of web programming. I don't
find them to be an extensive resource but good for quick
solutions.
One of the most important things to pass along here is learn by
example. This is the only way to learn any form of programming.
You can read whatever you wish. But, until you try it and
understand the outcome, you will never really understand the
language enough to develop even the smallest html documents on
your own.
My site, e-kinetic.com, was designed and built entirely by me. It
took time, but did not cost me a dime. The biggest advantage was
the wealth of knowledge I gained by programming everything
myself. I of course made use of the very same resources listed
above. The best tip I can pass along is to be patient and
persevere. Make use of the expertise of others posted free on the
web. With a little hard work you too can build your entire site
from scratch.
About the Author
Dan J. Fry is an independent researcher and owner of the e-
Kinetic E-Zine. He has a PhD in Physics, two daughters
and two cats. Subscribe to his e-zine at e-
kinetic@GetResponse.com or by visiting his Home Business site
at http://www.e-kinetic.com.