Learning HTML and CSS is the first step toward becoming a web developer. HTML (HyperText Markup Language) defines the structure of web pages, while CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) controls their appearance. Together, they form the foundation of every website on the internet.
HTML uses tags to define elements like headings (<h1>), paragraphs (<p>), images (<img>), and links (<a>). It’s not a programming language but a markup language used to describe content. HTML5, the latest version, also supports semantic elements like <header>, <footer>, and <article> for better SEO and accessibility.
CSS is used to style HTML elements—change colors, fonts, spacing, and layout. You can apply styles inline, within a <style> tag, or via external stylesheets. Modern CSS includes advanced features such as Flexbox and Grid, which help build responsive layouts without relying heavily on external frameworks.
Beginners should start by building simple pages with HTML, then gradually add styles. Learning how to structure content with containers and style it using properties like margin, padding, font-family, and color is essential. You’ll also learn to use classes and IDs to target specific elements and apply styling rules efficiently.
Browser developer tools can help inspect elements, modify CSS in real time, and debug layout issues. With practice, you’ll be able to build beautiful, clean websites using only HTML and CSS—a crucial skill even if you later move into frameworks and more advanced technologies.