Ultimate HTML and CSS Series - Part 1

Jul 17, 2024

Ultimate HTML and CSS Series - Part 1

Introduction

  • Instructor: Ash Hamadani
  • Objective: Learn HTML and CSS from scratch to build fast and beautiful websites.
  • Course Structure:
    1. Fundamentals of HTML and CSS
    2. Advanced Concepts
    3. Building a responsive website for the fictional company Mashify.
  • Tools Used: Visual Studio Code (VS Code), Prettier, Live Server, Google Chrome.

Tool Setup

  • Code Editor:
    • Suggestions: Visual Studio Code (VS Code), Sublime Text, Atom.
    • Extensions for VS Code:
      • Prettier Code Formatter: For code formatting, making code readable.
      • Live Server: Launch a web server to view websites locally.
  • Browser: Recommended to use Google Chrome for this course.

Web Development Fundamentals

  1. Languages:
  • HTML (Hypertext Markup Language): Defines the structure of web pages.
  • CSS (Cascading Style Sheets): Styles and makes web pages visually appealing.
  • JavaScript: Adds functionality and interactivity to web pages.
  1. Client-Server Model:
  • Client: Browser sending requests.
  • Server: Responsible for fulfilling requests.
  1. HTTP Protocol:
  • HTTP Request: Browser requesting a resource.
  • HTTP Response: Server providing the requested resource.
  1. Document Object Model (DOM): Represents HTML elements in a hierarchical structure allowing manipulation via JavaScript.

HTML Basics

  • Creating an HTML Document:
    • Use the <!DOCTYPE html> declaration.
    • Essential elements: <html>, <head>, <body>.
  • Basic Elements:
    • Paragraph: <p>
    • Emphasis: <em> (displays content in italic by default, used to emphasize text)
    • Strong: <strong> (displays content in bold by default, used for strong emphasis)
    • Headings: <h1> to <h6>
    • Reserved Characters: Use HTML entities like &lt; for <, &gt; for >, &copy; for the copyright symbol.
  • Links: <a> with the href attribute.
  • Images: <img> with the src and alt attributes.
  • Formatting Code: Use Prettier to format code consistently.

Styling with CSS

  • Inline CSS: Adding styles directly within HTML using the <style> element.
  • Common CSS Properties:
    • Width and Height: Controls the size of elements.
    • Border: Adds borders around elements.
    • Margin and Padding: Controls spacing around and within elements.
    • Display and Position: Controls the layout.

Tools and Workflow

  • VS Code Extensions:
    • Prettier: Formats HTML, CSS, and JavaScript code.
    • Live Server: Automatically updates the browser when code changes are saved.
  • Chrome DevTools:
    • Elements Tab: Inspect and modify HTML and CSS on the fly.
    • Network Tab: Monitor network requests and performance.
    • Console Tab: Debug JavaScript code.

Creating Your First Web Page

  • Steps:
    1. Create an HTML document with appropriate tags.
    2. Style elements with inline CSS.
    3. Format the code using Prettier.
    4. Run and preview using Live Server.

Validation

  • HTML Validation: Use tools like validator.w3.org to check for HTML errors.
  • CSS Validation: Use tools like jigsaw.w3.org to check for CSS errors.

Summary and Roadmap

  • Focus Areas:
    • Master HTML and CSS basics.
    • Progress to advanced concepts and JavaScript.
    • Explore front-end frameworks like React.
    • Learn version control with Git.
    • Practice building projects to solidify understanding.
  • Final Project: Build a complete website for the fictional company Mashify.

Recommendation: Study and practice regularly to build a strong foundation in web development.

Next Steps

  • Advanced HTML and CSS: More complex layouts, responsive design.
  • JavaScript: Adding interactivity.
  • Frameworks and Libraries: Learn React for faster development.
  • Version Control Systems: Use Git to manage project history and collaboration.