Learning HTML is quite a daunting task for beginners. However, the basics of HTML language are easier to grasp. Besides, learning HTML is a need for a Webmaster to develop a website.

All website landing pages are written in HTML codes and structured codes using the language. More than 70% of known sites on the internet use HTML.

Moreover, the language is not limited to functionality, it also helps design your website. In the guide below, we have provided a quick overview of the basics of HTML and its applications.

1. What is HTML?

HTML is a markup language, which defines the structure of the web pages on a website. It uses different attributes & tags and tells browsers how text is processed before it is displayed on the website.

HTML lets you specify the document type, title, image, and list. In addition, you can hyperlink a word, italicize the font, and embed an image. In short, HTML is the basic language used for developing a website. Most web developers use CSS and JavaScript to create a responsive and structured website with HTML.

Further reading: How to Code a Website Using HTML and CSS

3. Uses of HTML

HTML is a common language that most web developers use to set up website structure. Apart from codes, the language allows visitors to post comments with HTML formatting. Besides this, it helps customise the text in the email body.

It helps you understand offline HTML documents. You can use it as a format for computer-based help documents that are accessible offline. Basic knowledge of HTML lets you understand the basics of hardware and resolve them quickly.

HTML is used to create different web pages and make them functional for users. With HTML, you can create customised elements on existing pages.

5. HTML Tags

HTML tags define a range for formatting in paragraphs or text. The opening tag of HTML indicates the start of an element, while the closing tag indicates the end.

The code above indicates the result – I love food and cycling. The word in bold is food, and in italics – it is cycling. You need to know that the format affects only the words in the tags.

5.1 Headings Tags: Every piece of content on your website has the heading as a title. You can improve the structure of your post by using subheadings. The headings in the HTML are set using specific tags h1 and h6.

Here, if the number is higher, the headings are smaller. After you write the opening tag, don’t forget to close the tag with a similar heading to mark an effect. The headings you use will be displayed as follows on your HTML page:

Once you confirm the heading you want to use on your page, it will translate into the desired format on your website-landing page:

In the above heading, you can see various sizes according to heading tags. In every heading, your browser adds a line before and after the heading. However, the closing tag (at the end) has a different aesthetic compared to other tags.

5.2 Paragraph Tags: Paragraph tags are similar to headings tags, depicted by the letter <p>. Paragraph tags allow you to structure your site content and divide it into different paragraphs, which leads to a seamless reading experience. The paragraph tags add a margin below and after the para. But these tags don’t recognize a line break and show two sentences in the same line.

Outside your HTML format, it will help to break the text, as below:

5.3 Line Break Tags: Line break tags create a division at which the lines of the text are broken and then continue on the following line. In HTML, there is a vast difference between the line and para. The para is a standard block element that contains the text. Whereas, a line break creates a division within an <p> element.

Line breaks represent an empty element and are not defined by closing or opening tags. It is depicted by <br /> tag, which you can insert into the existing <p> element.

It then breaks up the text and highlights important information on the page. Besides, the single space between the forward slash and character is crucial as the tag won’t be recognized in HTML.

Example:

Once you apply the above code, it will break up as follows:

In the above example, you can see the opening and closing tags are unchanged, while line break tags define the layout of text, which is included within.

5.4 Image tags: The image tags play a vital role and define all the empty elements in HTML. They do not feature in the closing tags. Image tags contain the attributes that relate to the URL of the image you embed on the website.

They are designed by <img> tag at the beginning of the element. You can place the tags anywhere on your site, but you will need to include them in existing elements like paras and headings. A typical image tag looks like this:

In addition, you can provide an alternative text for the image as it helps users view the image on your website if the loading time is slow. Besides, if the browser can’t display the image, it will display the alternative attribute. By using the image tag, you can view a different set of attributes:

7. HTML Attributes

A web browser looks for attributes along with elements. An attribute is a character tag that acts as added information. Attributes are like modifiers that add a preference for HTML elements.

Example:

There are four different attributes from the code above, which are:

Attributes give you the freedom to customise different site elements.

7.1 Lang Attribute: Lang attributes declare the language you use for web pages, and you can use it to specify certain elements or if you want to write a para with a different language. Lang attributes can set your website to change the font. It helps search engines to extract information. Moreover, the screen reader will read your content in the correct language.

Read: Different HTML & CSS Font Style for Websites

7.2 Align Attribute: You can add aligned attributes to images, paras, and videos. The values to set the position are – top, left, right, middle and bottom.

The above code will show the image on the right side, as it also works on paras, objects, and divisions.

7.3 Href Attribute: The element is useful in linking content to another article or a site. Moreover, internal linking will help your site rank better in SEO. Using the tag can make your text clickable using the <a href> tag.

You can add the above attributes in absolute URL, relative URL, specified ID, JavaScript, and protocols.

7.4 Colour Attribute: Colour attributes let you change your text colour, use it alongside the paragraph text, and the value can be set along with the name of the colour. Choose the insert the ‘hex code’ instead of a specific colour.

Using the name of the colour as a value is advisable for beginners. If you think the colour isn’t green, and the hex code gives you the freedom to choose the specified shade.