HTML Basics

This page will cover the basics of an HTML page that is constructed using TAGS that are enclosed using beginning tags < > and ending tags that include the forward slash "/". HTML tags can be uppercase or lowercase letters. It is a good habit to name your html files (i.e. "index.html") in all lowercase letters though. If you coded in "Index.html", your file "index.html" would NOT be recognized and the page would not load. Same for images. If you coded in "MyPicture.jpg" for the file "mypicture.jpg" the picture would NOT load. There must also be NO SPACES in the name of a file or image, i.e. "my picture.jpg" would not work, but "my_picture.jpg" using the underscore would work. Let's get started on a simple web page:

Step 1: Create a new folder called "web" on your hard drive.
Step 2: Click "Start", "Programs", "Accessories", then "Note Pad".
Step 3: Type (or copy/paste) the following code:

Step 4: Now click "File", then "Save As", and name the file "index.html" and be sure to use the quotes. Make sure you save this in the "web" folder. Now locate the "index.html" file and double-click it to view the basic web page you just coded. It's important to name the "start-up" page of a site "index.html" so when a user types in, for example, "www.handmadewebsites.com", the "index" page automatically loads by default without the user having to type it in.

Step 5: To update and add to your web page you must access the code. There are two ways:
#1. At the top left of the browser select "View", then "Source".
#2. Right click on your active web page and select "View Source". Be sure not to right click on a picture, otherwise you will only get picture options! Then start coding away to update in Notepad, then select "File", and then "Save" (NOT "Save As"), and close out Notepad. Then press the "Refresh" button on the browser and watch your page get updated.

Congratulations, you've just assembled a bare minimum web page and have just scratched the surface of Web Design! Carry on!