Should You Learn HTML???

Every now and then I talk to a person that is just barely getting started with things on the internet and they wonder if it will be necessary to learn HTML. Well, here’s my thoughts on the subject.

If you’re going to really get to know what you’re doing online, you’ll want to at least learn the basics of HTML. This will free you up to be able to do more with your site even if you’re using a template builder.

But do you need to learn HTML before you have a site? No.

You can still build a website using some type of template builder without knowing any HTML at all. This way you can start to learn some of the basic principles of building a site, marketing it, etc. and not have to worry about all of the technical, programming related stuff. I still think it’s worth your time to learn it in the long run, but don’t let your lack of programming knowledge be an excuse for not starting your website.

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26 Comments

Frank H. CarterAugust 17th, 2007 at 1:26 pm

Can you recommend a text book on learning html? Or is there an online course in learning html?

Thanks Frank

[Reply]

DanAugust 17th, 2007 at 1:45 pm

Hey Frank,
There are a lot of resources out there. If you’re looking for an online resource, just go to Google and search for “html tutorial” and you’ll get a bunch. The first one I got was from http://www.w3schools.com and it looks pretty good. There’s always the “for Dummies” series if you prefer their style, or even college courses. I don’t have a personal favorite.

[Reply]

Dirk KlingeltonAugust 19th, 2007 at 3:55 am

HTML learning is very easy. its more difficult to learn java, xml and other languages

[Reply]

annlAugust 29th, 2007 at 9:50 pm

Chris at ezinearticles has a good little article about the 7 HTML codes needed to ‘get along’ in our virtual world. I submitted an article today and I’m glad I knew meant hard break or my list would have been a paragraph. LOL

[Reply]

DanAugust 30th, 2007 at 5:16 am

annl,
Can you provide a link to the article you mentioned? I’d be interested to see what he is recommending!

[Reply]

annlAugust 30th, 2007 at 4:53 pm

Here’s the link for the article over at Ezinearticles:
http://www.ezinearticles.com/?Essential-HTML-Skills-For-Article-Authors—7-Tips&id=7185

[Reply]

DerekSeptember 9th, 2007 at 12:45 pm

I know the basics of HTML, which is very important for any webmaster but I need to learn more….

I use a WYSIWYG HTML web editor and you will need NO experience of HTML or CSS to use this program wich is very great..

[Reply]

Ecommerce WebsitesSeptember 16th, 2007 at 9:16 am

You don’t need to know HTML to launch a successful website. If you have good content you just use a ready-to-run content management system (such as WordPress), or even easier by using Blogspot.

[Reply]

Wholesale DropshipOctober 4th, 2007 at 12:56 am

Quite interesting site and post , Dan. I’ve bookmarked it and will return.

[Reply]

holiday guideApril 4th, 2008 at 10:43 pm

I agree with your post that we should know the html only if necessarily the site to be modified. But for creating, no need of that.

[Reply]

Cliff PoseyJune 15th, 2008 at 1:18 pm

I use a site builder that you can use html if you want or not. There are basic codes in something they have call ed useful html that I use but I am not Dependant on html and because my site builder does not require it. I have pasted code in for adsence and other stuff but as long as I can get by without writing html my self I will because if you make one mistake with it you are screwed. That kind of detail is not worth the effort. My site looks good with the little code I use.

[Reply]

hosting couponsSeptember 8th, 2008 at 11:58 am

With Content Management Systems users have the possibility to create poweful websites without knowing HTML CSS and others. However, most CMS’s provide, by default, features that are useful to the majority of their users. So, having some basic HTML and CSS knowledge let’s you enhance and customize the appearance and functionality of your website.

[Reply]

xHTML CodingSeptember 15th, 2008 at 7:31 am

HTML has become less of a predicament when it comes to running sites and blogs nowadays,

With every platform running on CMSes with text editors.

But, when it comes to editing or tweaking CMSes and improvising basic functions, it is very important for one to be armed with the basic knowledge of HTML.

When its easy to learn, why not just learn it?

[Reply]

CliffNovember 14th, 2008 at 8:49 pm

You are right knowing some html is good but I have a website builder that allows you to use if or not use it and comes with some basic code like for bold, colors and so on and it is enough for me.
I would rather spend more time creating content and promoting my site than on all the tech stufff.

[Reply]

Dan Reply:

I think you should spend more time on that, but if you’re going to be online it is best not to be completely ignorant. That way if you run into a basic problem can fix it and keep moving forward.

[Reply]

TkFebruary 12th, 2009 at 4:25 pm

Of course you should learn HTML. You need it to make it as a web developer.

[Reply]

Create a WebsiteFebruary 27th, 2009 at 10:33 am

I have to agree that you don’t need to know HTML to have a good website, however if you are choosing to go into a field that is related to web design, development, marketing than yeah you better understand HTML…and CSS. And maybe a little PHP lol.

[Reply]

lowongan kerja di surabayaMarch 28th, 2009 at 7:11 am

I think still we have to know a little bit

[Reply]

Edward.HMay 5th, 2009 at 2:24 am

yes,of course, enough web development knowledge is important!

[Reply]

Jess HolroydJuly 6th, 2009 at 8:46 pm

I have the experience that html is only available on the website.So it is necessary to learn html.

[Reply]

Irene SavoiaJuly 6th, 2009 at 8:50 pm

My major is not web.I lack knowledge of programming of web.
If i want to sart my website,the first thing I have to learn should be html.

[Reply]

JayOctober 30th, 2009 at 12:02 pm

HTML is not needed you are correct but it will certainly help… If you are serious about learning anything about web design then you should definetly take the time to learn html Madison Web Design

[Reply]

Drupal ThemesNovember 5th, 2009 at 6:40 pm

If your getting involved in websites, hosting, develepment or pretty much anything, you should probably take a little time and learn html and css. Its not very hard and at least the basics should be known. Most people use cms systems these days that require no immediated knowledge of either but even powerful systems like drupal and joomla cant do it all. Plus any problems you might have, the little knowledge of css and html will help you to understand what might be going on.

[Reply]

Music Review BlogJanuary 10th, 2010 at 8:32 pm

A must if you ever plan on working in web development or web design. HTML is not really that hard to learn I don’t think. It doesn’t take allot of time and like I said, is a must if you plan to work in this industry!

[Reply]

Technical EngineerJanuary 21st, 2010 at 5:10 pm

html is very important to learn especially for those who want to create a blog

we can learn about html in this site

http://www.w3schools.com

simple and complete….

[Reply]

donoFebruary 13th, 2010 at 2:33 am

i learn html, and make my website better everyday, thx!

[Reply]

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