How to Get Started in Web Coding
Web coding is the process of creating websites, web applications and online interfaces. In today’s digital landscape, businesses of all shapes and sizes need a website to compete for customers, as well as maintain their brand identity. As a result, the demand for web developers continues to grow. But if computer programming isn’t your forte, you don’t have to be an engineer to build your own site. There are many easy-to-use website building programs that can help you get started, and there are a number of coding languages and resources to learn from as well.
The first step in the web development process is to create a blueprint of your site. This is referred to in the industry as a wireframe and doesn’t have to be formal or detailed; it’s simply a vision for your website that will give both you and your developer(s) a place to start. You can draw it on a whiteboard or use a tool like Invision, Slickplan or Mindnode to get the ball rolling.
From there, you’ll need to determine the structure of your website and its navigational flow. Then, you’ll want to map out all of the pages that will be included in the site so that users can find what they need and move through the site with ease. For example, if you have a blog page on your website, you’ll likely want to link that page to other pages on the site so that readers can view related content.
Once you have a clear idea of the site’s structure and navigation, you can begin to code. HTML and CSS are the primary coding languages for web sites, and both can be learned with the right resources. HTML (hypertext markup language) tags define the structure of a webpage, and developers use CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) to add visual style to a web page. Every website on the Internet uses these basic coding languages.
There are also a number of free resources available to learn more about web coding. For example, the HubSpot Website Blog offers a number of helpful articles that break down the complexities of back-end and full-stack coding. This is a great resource for both beginner and seasoned web developers.
Once you’re comfortable with the basics, it’s time to dive into more complex coding projects. There are a number of excellent learning resources available, from non-profit organizations like freeCodeCamp to subscription-based courses like those at Treehouse. And remember, it’s important to stay motivated when coding. Be sure to set attainable goals and celebrate your successes along the way! With a bit of dedication and some hard work, you can be on your way to becoming a web wizard in no time. Good luck!