Chapter 2 – HTML Basics
In this chapter you will continue your study of HTML and configure the structure and formatting of text on a web page using HTML elements, including the new HTMl5 header, nav, and footer elements. You’re also ready to explore hyperlinks, which make the World Wide Web into a web of interconnected information. As you read this chapter, be sure to work through the examples. Coding a web page is a skill, and every skill improves with practice. Resource websites and chapter links are listed below.
Popular Browsers
Although Internet Explorer remains the most popular browser, Firefox, Chrome, and Safari have a share of the browser market. Visit StatCounter for recent trends. The log file and/or log reports provided by your web host will inform you about your visitors' browser preferences.
HTML Validation and Conformance Checkers
Browser Downloads
- Firefox
- Free "Web Developer" Extension for Firefox
This tool will save you hours of work—validate your HTML and CSS with just a few mouse clicks—view image information—and more! - Internet Explorer 10
- Chrome
- Opera
HTML5 Resources
- HTML 5.1 W3C Recommendation
- W3C Web Developer’s Guide to HTML5
- HTML5 for Web Developers
- W3C HTML5 Markup Language Reference
- HTML 5 Doctor
- HTML 5 Demos
- HTML5 Gallery
Special Characters
When you need to display special characters, such as a copyright symbol or even an apostrophe on a web page, use an HTML5 character reference name. Visit https://websitebuilders.com/tools/html-codes/a-z/ and HTML5 Special Character Reference for lists of special characters.
HTML Editing Resources
- Notepad++ Download
- TextWrangler for Mac
- Configure TextEdit for the Mac
- Windows — Show File Extensions
- Mac — Show File Extensions
Writing Text for Hyperlinks
Visit the following resources for tips about how to write the phrases that you configure as hyperlinks —it can make the difference between a user clicking the link or ignoring it.
- Leafdigital Writing Course - Hyperlinks
- W3C Quality Assurance Tips for Webmasters
- 4 Reasons to Avoid Using 'Click Here' in Link Text
Chapter Updates
- Page 28 Hands-On Practice 2.1
The closing title tag should be </title>
- Pages 46-47
As of September 2015, the W3C changed the W3C HTML5 Validation processing. The results of the validation process are now different.
View the new version of Figure 2.15.
View the new version of Figure 2.16.
The success message now indicates:
"Document checking completed. No errors or warnings to show".
- Page 49 Hands-On Practice 2.11, #4:
The first h2 element should be:
<h2>New Media and Web Design</h2>
- Page 56 Hands-On Practice 2.14, #3 part a:
The text displayed by the title element should be:
"Trillium Media Design - Services"
Questions or Comments
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Review Games
Review activities are available for this chapter. Check your knowledge of chapter terms and concepts.
The Web Development Profession
Web development is a field that is ever-changing. What's a web developer to do?
The World Organization of Webmasters (WOW) is a leading organization in providing certification and educational resources to web professionals in all phases of their career. WOW offers a variety of resources for web developers including workshops, webinars, courses, and interviews with web professionals.