HTML Types - Learning Order?

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html

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+5 Q:

HTML Types - Learning Order?

I've decided that today - as soon as this question is answered, in fact - I'm going to dive into learning HTML.

But, looking online, I've noticed there are many types: HTML, XHTML, HTML5, and so on.

So, which should I start with? In what order should I learn them?

And, for that first language, where should I learn at?

+1 A:

Learn HTML. Once you know the basics, XML and other markup languages will be easy to pick up.

FrustratedWithFormsDesigner 2010-03-19 20:19:51

+4 A:

I have always found w3schools to be helpful with most things things web related- including HTML. HTML5 is just a version of HTML, and XHTML is a way of forming HTML that is XML-conformant. Start with the basic tags of HTML (found on the linked site) and you'll be well on your way.

fbrereto 2010-03-19 20:21:26

+1 A:

I'd suggest you start with HTML 4.01. It's well-supported by all modern browsers, and more forgiving of any mistakes you might make. Once you have a strong grasp on that, you can begin looking at HTML5, with the knowledge that it's still in development, and not completely supported by all browsers.

I'm not sure if it's still well-regarded, but I was fond of W3School's HTML tutorial when I was learning years ago.

And XHTML? Particularly pedantic types will argue that it is terribly hard to serve correctly. I happen to agree with them.

Callahad 2010-03-19 20:23:35

hixie isn't complaining it's hard to serve correctly. He's complaining of people who don't serve it correctly and serving it correctly is not hard. And asking for a language to work on that will forgive your mistakes is the worst language of all. Learning from your mistakes is the best way to learn. You do NOT want that covered up.

Rob 2010-03-19 22:54:12

+1 A:

Start with HTML 4.01.

HTML 5 is still in draft — which means it is badly supported and subject to change.

XHTML 1.0 (the only version of XHTML worth bothering about) is essentially HTML 4.01 with minor variations in syntax and a bunch of hoops to jump through in order to get it to work in Internet Explorer.

Opera provide a good introduction to authoring webpages.

David Dorward 2010-03-19 20:23:37

Nice link to the Opera Web Standards Curriculum!

Veger 2010-03-19 22:02:46

+10 A:

Personally, I would learn HTML and CSS together.

Learn the main HTML elements (or tags) and how to use classes and ids properly. Then learn how to style those elements using the basic CSS properties.

Once you have a very basic understanding of these two things, just start trying to create your own little sites. View the source of established websites. Always be trying new things.

thinkswan 2010-03-19 20:24:58

+1 for CSS. I didn't really think of it, but it's much more important than when I first started with HTML.

FrustratedWithFormsDesigner 2010-03-19 20:25:54

And another +1 for the same reason. Anyone who's just beginning to learn HTML is doing it 'cause they want to see the results in a browser... but once you start down the dark path of learning HTML with the intent to visualize it _without CSS_, forever will it dominate your destiny...

LeguRi 2010-03-19 20:30:03

@Richard JP Le Guen: And *you* get +1 for the dramatic "forever will it dominate your destiny..."

FrustratedWithFormsDesigner 2010-03-19 20:34:17

Haha, that was the most poetic comment I've ever seen on here. =)

thinkswan 2010-03-19 20:35:39

I disagree. HTML is the structure of the page. Without it, everything falls apart. CSS won't work properly, javascript won't, DOM work won't. You can do a lousy job with the CSS and get the job done but you won't get far without the basic foundation first. CSS is the special effects in a movie but good movies have a good story layout and structure.

Rob 2010-03-19 22:51:37

@Rob - But again, people don't set out to learn HTML. Even if they think they are, they're really settoing out to learn how to make web sites, and intend on testing their web sites in browsers. If they were instead going to validate their docs and not open them in browsers, I'd agree with you, but _no one_ sets out to learn HTML with only a text editor and a validator; they want to look at their work in a browser. Since they want to _look_ at their HTML, they _need_ CSS, or else they're going to slip into bad habits.

LeguRi 2010-03-20 14:54:48

I'd agree with all the recommendations to learn 4.01, and to use the W3Schools tutorial. I'd also recommend making a habit of using a validator to check your HTML. If I recall correctly, one is at validator.w3.org.

PSUnderwood 2010-03-19 20:30:13

+1 A:

I would start with XHTML.

It isn't any harder to learn than HTML 4.01. It's just a little stricter which might actually make it easier to learn. For example in XHTML all start tags must have end tags; better that you learn that simple rule now then start out learning things you'll just have to unlearn later. Use w3schools.com tutorials they're easy and straightforward and they give you places to try out and experiment while you learn. After all doing is the best way to learn. Finally once you have a good grasp of HTML I'd learn CSS also from w3schools. Finally, I'd learn HTML5.

Good luck!

Adam 2010-03-19 22:23:47

Thanks much, guys. I've been working through the HTML W3Schools tutorials since this morning. It's going well.

One thing I'm curious about now is certifications. I keep seeing the HTML cert on the W3Schools site.

Is this something worth working towards, and getting? How hard is it, and where is best to get it, if it's worth it?

Gabe 2010-03-19 22:56:36

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HTML Types - Learning Order?

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