What you’ll build / learn
In this tutorial, you will learn how to create a simple yet functional web application using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. By the end of this guide, you will have a fully operational web application that can handle user input and display dynamic content. This project will not only enhance your coding skills but also give you a solid foundation in web development principles.
You will start from scratch, building the application step by step, which will help you understand the core concepts of web technologies. This includes structuring your HTML, styling with CSS, and adding interactivity using JavaScript. Additionally, you will learn about best practices in coding and common pitfalls to avoid.
Why it matters
Web development is a crucial skill in today’s digital age. As businesses increasingly rely on online platforms, understanding how to create and manage web applications is invaluable. This tutorial provides you with the fundamental skills needed to build your own applications, which can be a significant asset in your career.
Moreover, learning to code empowers you to bring your ideas to life. Whether you want to create a personal blog, a portfolio site, or a small business application, the skills you gain here will serve as a stepping stone towards more complex projects. Understanding the basics of web development also opens doors to more advanced topics such as frameworks and server-side programming.
Prerequisites
Before diving into this tutorial, you should have a basic understanding of how the internet works. Familiarity with concepts such as web servers, browsers, and HTTP will be beneficial. Additionally, having a computer with a modern web browser and a text editor will be essential for coding.
No prior programming experience is required, but a willingness to learn and experiment will help you immensely. If you are completely new to coding, consider reviewing basic programming concepts such as variables, functions, and control structures. There are many free resources available online that can help you get started.
Step-by-step
- Set up your development environment: Start by installing a code editor such as Visual Studio Code or Sublime Text. These tools will help you write and manage your code efficiently.
- Create your project folder: Organise your files by creating a new folder for your project. Inside this folder, create subfolders for HTML, CSS, and JavaScript files.
- Write your HTML: Create an index.html file in your HTML folder. This file will serve as the main structure of your web application. Use basic HTML tags to set up the layout, including a header, main content area, and footer.
- Add CSS for styling: Create a styles.css file in your CSS folder. Link this CSS file to your HTML document using a tag in the section. Use CSS to style your application, focusing on layout, colours, and fonts.
- Implement JavaScript functionality: Create a script.js file in your JavaScript folder. Link this JavaScript file to your HTML document using a