Table of Contents:
HTML Introduction – Learn the Basics of HTML
HTML is the starting point of web development. Every website you see on the internet is built using HTML. Before learning CSS or JavaScript, it is important to understand what HTML is and how it works.
This HTML Introduction tutorial explains all basic concepts in a simple and beginner-friendly way, with real examples and output.
What Is HTML?
HTML stands for HyperText Markup Language.
- HyperText means links between web pages
- Markup Language means it uses tags to mark content
HTML is used to structure web pages and define elements like headings, paragraphs, images, links, and forms.
What HTML Is Not
HTML is not:
- A programming language
- A database language
- A styling language
HTML only defines the structure of a webpage.
Why HTML Is Important for Web Development
HTML is important because:
- It is the base of all websites
- Browsers understand HTML directly
- It works with CSS and JavaScript
- It is easy to learn for beginners
- It is required for frontend and backend developers
How HTML Works
When a browser loads a webpage:
- It reads the HTML file
- It understands HTML tags
- It displays content on the screen
- It applies CSS styles
- It runs JavaScript if present
HTML tells the browser what content to show.
Basic Structure of an HTML Document
Every HTML page follows a basic structure.
<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>
<head>
<title>HTML Introduction</title>
</head>
<body>
<h1>Welcome to HTML</h1>
<p>This is my first HTML page.</p>
</body>
</html>
Output
Welcome to HTML
This is my first HTML page.
Explanation of HTML Structure
<!DOCTYPE html>defines HTML5<html>is the root element<head>contains metadata<title>sets browser title<body>contains visible content
What Are HTML Tags?
HTML tags are keywords enclosed in angle brackets.
Example:
<p>This is a paragraph</p>
<p>is the opening tag</p>is the closing tag
Tags tell the browser how to display content.
HTML Elements Explained
An HTML element includes:
- Opening tag
- Content
- Closing tag
Example:
<h1>Hello HTML</h1>
HTML Is Case Insensitive
HTML tags are not case sensitive:
<H1>Heading</H1>
<h1>Heading</h1>
Both work the same, but lowercase is recommended.
HTML File Extension
HTML files use:
.html.htm
Example:
index.html
HTML Editors for Beginners
You can write HTML using:
- Notepad
- VS Code
- Sublime Text
- Atom
VS Code is recommended for beginners.
HTML Example With Explanation
<h2>About HTML</h2>
<p>HTML is used to build web pages.</p>
Output
About HTML
HTML is used to build web pages.
HTML History
Since the early days of the World Wide Web, there have been many versions of HTML:
| Year | Version |
|---|---|
| 1989 | Tim Berners-Lee invented www |
| 1991 | Tim Berners-Lee invented HTML |
| 1993 | Dave Raggett drafted HTML+ |
| 1995 | HTML Working Group defined HTML 2.0 |
| 1997 | W3C Recommendation: HTML 3.2 |
| 1999 | W3C Recommendation: HTML 4.01 |
| 2000 | W3C Recommendation: XHTML 1.0 |
| 2008 | WHATWG HTML5 First Public Draft |
| 2012 | WHATWG HTML5 Living Standard |
| 2014 | W3C Recommendation: HTML5 |
| 2016 | W3C Candidate Recommendation: HTML 5.1 |
| 2017 | W3C Recommendation: HTML5.1 2nd Edition |
| 2017 | W3C Recommendation: HTML5.2 |
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Advantages of HTML
- Easy to learn
- Free to use
- Works on all browsers
- Platform independent
- Supported worldwide
Common HTML Mistakes Beginners Make
- Forgetting closing tags
- Writing incorrect tag names
- Mixing HTML with CSS logic
- Not saving file as .html
Related Topic
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Is HTML easy to learn?
Yes, HTML is very easy for beginners.
2. Do I need internet to use HTML?
No, HTML works offline.
3. Can I create websites using only HTML?
Yes, but they will be static.
4. Is HTML still used today?
Yes, HTML is essential for all websites.
5. Is HTML enough to become a web developer?
HTML is the first step, followed by CSS and JavaScript.