Introduction to Web Development from Coursera

This course is designed to build your skills in web development and design, no matter how little experience or technical knowledge you currently have. You probably visit several websites every day, whether for business, entertainment or education. But have you ever wondered how these websites actually work? How are they built? How do browsers, computers, and mobile devices interact with the web? What skills are necessary to build a website? With a billion websites now on the internet, the answers to these questions could be your first step toward a better understanding of the internet and developing a new set of internet skills.

By the end of this course you’ll be able to describe the structure and functionality of the world wide web, create static web pages using HTML and CSS, select an appropriate web hosting service, and publish your webpages for the world to see. Finally, you’ll be able to develop a working model for creating your own personal or business websites in the future and launch yourself on a learning journey in web development.

What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction to HTML

Welcome to the course! In this module, we will begin with downloading and installing the code editor Visual Studio Code. You will then be able to identify different parts of the HTML language, manually add basic tags for web pages, and properly use basic opening and closing tags with content on a HTML file to markup content. You will also test files for errors using a HTML validator. Let’s get started!

Links, Images, & Files

In this module, we will use the anchor tag in HTML to create different kinds of links. You’ll link to files within the same website using relative path syntax. You’ll also demonstrate using tags that put replaced content on a web page. We’ll continue on by identifying different image formats used for images displayed on web pages. You’ll practice using appropriate attributes to provide the browser with more information about replaced content. We’ll finish up this module by identifying other types of replaced content such as video, audio, and iFrame content. Let’s get started.

Putting Your Site Online

Welcome to Module 3! In this module, we’ll identify and correctly use different semantic sectioning elements in HTML files. You’ll demonstrate using HTML to change markup on different platforms. You’ll also demonstrate using a service like GitHub to store and share Git repositories. We’ll finish up the module by creating linked HTML files with folders and subfolders, and practice optimizing images and using them on pages for a personal website project. We have a lot to cover, so let’s get started!

Introduction to CSS

Welcome to the final module of this course! In this module, we’ll articulate the purpose of CSS and identify different parts of a CSS rule. You’ll demonstrate using characters such as curly braces, semi-colons, and commas when writing CSS syntax. Then, we’ll articulate and differentiate big ideas in CSS and create more specific CSS rules through the use of combinator selectors. We’ll finish up the module by identifying where and how CSS can be used within a website, including in-line CSS, CSS rules inside style tags, and CSS in linked stylesheets.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Develops foundational skills in web development, desirable for students in computer science and software engineering

Designed for learners with no prior knowledge in web development, making it suitable for beginners in the field

Taught by instructors with experience in the field, providing practical knowledge and insights

Covers essential elements of web design and development, providing a comprehensive foundation for further learning

Utilizes industry-standard tools and technologies, ensuring relevance and applicability in the workplace

Practical in nature, with hands-on exercises and projects to reinforce concepts and build skills

Reviews summary

Introduction to web development

Learners say this beginner-friendly Introduction to Web Development course (4+ star rating) teaches the basics of web development with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. The course materials are well-paced, and most of the concepts are well explained and easy to follow. Learners highly recommend this course for anyone new to web development. However, for those with some experience, the course material may not offer enough to further their knowledge.

This course provides a solid foundation in web development, covering a wide range of topics in just six weeks.

"This course is good for beginners. But I think that a little basic knowledge is required to understandHTML and Javascript taught in the course."

"The course is really good for beginners as the instructor is very easy to follow."

The interactive assignments and peer grading provide hands-on practice and feedback.

"There was a good course, we covered a lot subjects in a short time. Jus as a feedback for the week 5 it was really hard to follow the code writen on the screen due to the size of fonts, it was too big, the con lines cut by the screen. You have to go forward and back on the video in order to see the whole line wich is a waste of time."

"The course is very suitable and essential for any child and this course is important for build web site . It is possible to understand very simply all the facts given about."

The course content is up-to-date and engaging, with clear explanations and helpful resources.

"Excellent course. It is a very good course for anyone wishing to learn basic HTML, CSS and JavaScript. Lectures were clear, concise and provide good code examples to reinforce learning."

"The course will introduce you to the world of web development."

"The course has been also been presented exceptionally by the professor."

The final project is a worthwhile challenge that allows learners to apply their skills.

"The course gave me a solid understanding of the basics of creating a website. The lecture material was easy to follow and the assignments provided you with ability to challenge yourself, or do the bare minimum. Great learning experience!"

"Before following this course I have no idea about how websites works that I use daily life."

"It was an amazing experience. The explanation was excellent and the quizzes & assignments helped a lot."

While HTML and CSS are well covered, JavaScript is rushed through and not explained in depth.

"This is a really good introductory course for anyone who wants to get into web development or do a refresher on the basics. You will learn HTML, JavaScript, and CSS and the final project will really give your brain a work out."

"One thing is that this course's JS introduction was not that helpful, but for an introductory course, everything else was okay."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Introduction to Web Development with these activities:

Test your HTML knowledge

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Take a practice HTML quiz to assess your current level of knowledge and identify any areas where you may need to refresh your skills.

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Take an online HTML quiz
Review your results and identify any areas where you need to brush up on your knowledge

Review Course Materials

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Regular review of course materials helps strengthen your understanding and retention.

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Review lecture notes after each class
Complete practice exercises and assignments
Summarize key concepts in your own words

Watch tutorials on web development

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These tutorials will provide you with additional instruction and support.

Browse courses on HTML

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Find tutorials on web development.
Watch the tutorials.
Take notes on the tutorials.

15 other activities

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Practice HTML and CSS coding exercises

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These exercises will help you reinforce the concepts you learn in this course.

Browse courses on HTML

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Find online coding exercises.
Solve the exercises.
Check your answers.

Follow Online HTML and CSS Tutorials

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Online tutorials provide a structured and step-by-step approach to learning HTML and CSS.

Browse courses on HTML

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Find reputable HTML and CSS tutorials online
Follow the tutorials step-by-step
Complete the exercises and quizzes

Build a personal website or blog

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This project will help you apply the skills you learn in this course to a real-world project.

Browse courses on HTML

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Plan your website or blog.
Choose a domain name and web hosting provider.
Set up your website or blog using HTML and CSS.
Add content to your website or blog.
Publish your website or blog.

Practice HTML and CSS Coding

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Writing out HTML and CSS code is the best way to solidify your understanding of these two markup and style languages.

Browse courses on HTML

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Write basic HTML code for a static website
Add CSS code to style the HTML elements
Test your code in a web browser

Join a study group or online forum for web developers

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This will allow you to connect with other web developers and learn from each other.

Browse courses on Web Development

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Find a study group or online forum for web developers.
Join the group or forum.
Participate in discussions.

Join a Study Group

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Collaborating with peers can provide valuable insights and perspectives.

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Find a group of classmates to form a study group
Meet regularly to discuss course content
Work together on assignments and projects

Attend HTML and CSS Workshops

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Workshops provide an opportunity to learn from experts and ask questions.

Browse courses on HTML

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Find reputable HTML and CSS workshops in your area
Register for the workshops and attend in person
Take notes and actively participate in the activities

Attend meetups and conferences on web development

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These events will allow you to connect with other web developers and learn about the latest trends.

Browse courses on Web Development

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Find meetups and conferences on web development.
Attend the meetups and conferences.
Network with other web developers.

Build a Simple Website

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Create a basic website using HTML and CSS to apply your knowledge and demonstrate your skills in web development.

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Plan the structure and layout of your website
Write the HTML code for the website
Style the website with CSS
Publish your website online

Contribute to open source web development projects

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This will allow you to gain experience working on real-world web development projects.

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Get feedback from other developers.
Find open source web development projects.
Contribute to the projects.

Build a Personal Website

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Building your own website is a great way to apply your HTML and CSS skills in a practical setting.

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Plan the structure and content of your website
Create HTML files for each page
Add CSS code to style the website
Publish your website online

Create a portfolio of your web development work

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This will help you showcase your skills to potential employers.

Browse courses on Web Development

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Choose the best examples of your web development work.
Create a portfolio website or online gallery.
Add your work to your portfolio.
Share your portfolio with potential employers.

Develop a Webpage for a Client

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Working on a real-world project helps you apply your skills in a practical setting.

Browse courses on Web Development

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Find a client who needs a webpage designed
Gather requirements and create a design plan
Create HTML and CSS code for the webpage
Test and deploy the webpage on a server

Develop a Portfolio Website

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Create a portfolio website to showcase your web development skills and demonstrate your ability to build a complete website from scratch.

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Plan and design your portfolio website
Develop the website using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript
Test and debug your website
Deploy your website to a web hosting platform

Mentor Junior Web Developers

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Share your knowledge and experience by mentoring junior web developers to help them improve their skills and advance their careers.

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Identify opportunities to mentor junior web developers
Provide guidance and support to mentees
Share resources and industry knowledge with mentees

Career center

Learners who complete Introduction to Web Development will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Web Developer

Web Developers are responsible for the entire process of web development, from planning and design to coding and maintenance. This course offers a comprehensive introduction to the foundational principles and technologies used in web development. By gaining a solid understanding of HTML, CSS, web hosting, and the structure of the web, individuals can build a strong foundation for a successful career as a Web Developer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Developer

Web Designer

Web Designers are responsible for the visual and aesthetic design of websites and web applications. This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the principles and tools used in web design, including HTML, CSS, and web hosting. Through hands-on exercises and projects, individuals can develop a strong foundation in web design principles, layout, and user experience, preparing them for a successful career as a Web Designer.

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Front-End Developer

Front-End Developers are responsible for the design and implementation of the user interface of websites and web applications. This course provides an excellent introduction to the essential skills and technologies used in front-end development, including HTML, CSS, and web hosting. Through hands-on exercises and projects, individuals can develop a solid foundation in the principles of web design, layout, and interactivity, preparing them for a successful career as a Front-End Developer.

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Webmaster

Webmasters are responsible for the technical maintenance and administration of websites and web servers. This course provides a solid foundation in the principles and technologies used in web development and maintenance, including HTML, CSS, web hosting, and server administration. By gaining a comprehensive understanding of these topics, individuals can develop the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively manage and maintain websites and web servers.

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User Experience Designer

User Experience (UX) Designers play a vital role in the web development process by ensuring that websites and applications are easy to use, visually appealing, and engaging. This course, with its focus on web design principles and development techniques, can provide a strong foundation in the key concepts of UX design. By learning about HTML, CSS, and the structure of the web, individuals can gain a comprehensive understanding of how to create user-friendly and effective digital experiences.

See salaries and explore the career path for User Experience Designer

Information Architect

Information Architects are responsible for designing and organizing the structure and content of websites and other digital platforms. This course provides a solid foundation in the principles and technologies used in web development, which are essential for Information Architects to understand in order to effectively design and organize online content. By learning about HTML, CSS, and the structure of the web, individuals can gain a better understanding of how content is presented and consumed online, enabling them to create more effective and user-friendly information architectures.

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Content Manager

Content Managers are responsible for planning, creating, and managing the content on websites and other digital platforms. This course provides a valuable introduction to the principles of web design and development, which are essential for Content Managers to understand in order to effectively create and manage online content. By learning about HTML, CSS, and the structure of the web, individuals can gain a better understanding of how content is presented and consumed online, enabling them to make informed decisions about content strategy and presentation.

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Technical Writer

Technical Writers create instruction manuals, user guides, and other documentation to help users understand and use technical products and systems. This course can be beneficial for aspiring Technical Writers who want to develop a strong foundation in web development concepts and technologies. By learning about HTML, CSS, and the structure of the web, individuals can gain a better understanding of the technical aspects of web-based products and services, enabling them to create more effective and user-friendly documentation.

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Product Manager

Product Managers are responsible for the planning, development, and launch of new products and services. This course provides a valuable introduction to the principles and technologies used in web development, which are essential for Product Managers to understand in order to effectively develop and manage digital products. By learning about HTML, CSS, and the structure of the web, individuals can gain a better understanding of the technical aspects of web-based products and services, enabling them to make informed decisions about product features and functionality.

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Marketing Manager

Marketing Managers are responsible for developing and executing marketing campaigns to promote products and services. This course provides a foundational understanding of the principles and technologies used in web development, which are becoming increasingly important in digital marketing. By learning about HTML, CSS, and the structure of the web, individuals can gain a better understanding of how websites and online content are created and consumed, enabling them to develop more effective and targeted marketing campaigns.

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Data Analyst

Data Analysts collect, analyze, and interpret data to provide insights for businesses. This course provides a foundational understanding of the principles and technologies used in web development, which are becoming increasingly important in data analysis. By learning about HTML, CSS, and the structure of the web, individuals can gain a better understanding of how data is collected and presented online, enabling them to analyze data more effectively and draw more accurate conclusions.

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Project Manager

Project Managers are responsible for planning, executing, and closing projects. This course provides a valuable introduction to the principles and technologies used in web development, which are becoming increasingly important in project management. By learning about HTML, CSS, and the structure of the web, individuals can gain a better understanding of how websites and online systems are developed and managed, enabling them to effectively plan and execute web development projects.

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Computer Programmer

Computer Programmers write and maintain code for software systems. This course provides a valuable introduction to the principles and technologies used in web development, which are becoming increasingly important in computer programming. By learning about HTML, CSS, and the structure of the web, individuals can gain a better understanding of how websites and online systems are built, enabling them to write more effective and efficient code.

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Business Analyst

Business Analysts are responsible for analyzing business needs and developing solutions to improve efficiency and productivity. This course provides a foundational understanding of the principles and technologies used in web development, which are becoming increasingly important in business analysis. By learning about HTML, CSS, and the structure of the web, individuals can gain a better understanding of how websites and online systems are used in businesses, enabling them to identify and analyze business needs more effectively.

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Software Engineer

Software Engineers design, develop, and maintain software systems. This course provides a foundational understanding of the principles and technologies used in web development, which are becoming increasingly important in software engineering. By learning about HTML, CSS, and the structure of the web, individuals can gain a better understanding of how websites and online systems are built, enabling them to develop more effective and robust software solutions.

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