HTML Primer Part 1 – Introduction

Let me ask a question? Have you created a post in you favourite CMS, only ever used the simple editor but wanted to make your posts to look more fancy? Have you ever switched over to the advanced editor and grimaced with fear?  The following series of posts may be for you.

So what is this HTML thing you are on about?

HTML or Hyper Text Markup Language is the coding language that web pages are created in. If you want to view some html now, then look for the “View Source” option in your browser menu (it is normally the control + u on the PC or Control + Option + U for all you mac users out there but it may differ dependant on your browser.), you should then be granted with a page of Unfamiliar Text. You have now had your first experience of HTML.

Why do I need to know HTML?

You may be think that I have a Content Management System that creates all the HTML for me so why do I need to create it myself?

If you learn a little HTML this can extend your creative opportunities when creating your own website or even when creating your own blog posts. Have you ever wanted to apply bold text to limited piece of text or wanted to add more fancier headings, then this can be done with HTML?

As good as the Content Management system is that you have, they are still an automated system that still can’t replicate the way a human thinks. A good editor should be able to add html perfectly, and there are some great editors out there, but how do you if your editor is adding the right code to your posts

Have you ever wondered why one paragraph may have larger spacing above and below than an other paragraph. This may be due to the Editor adding an extra paragraph in-between.

The biggest advantage to learning HTML is Control. If you have complete control over how your post looks, then is a big plus to any blogger who strives to craft the perfect blog post. You may have a quote that you want to emphasise or an image that you want to insert in a particular way, then you can do this all with HTML.

Is learning HTML difficult?

You are probably reading this post and thinking that this may be complicated, but learning HTML is very simple. If you can learn new words then you can learn HTML. There are no complicated text to read or huge books to wade through.

I hope this post gives you a little more confidence in taking the challenge of learning HTML as this will ultimately bring you more control over the content on your website and help you craft better blog posts. If you check back next week we will get you started on you learning journey with tag structure. Let me know your thoughts in the comments below?