HTML Resources

A short list of starting places and resources for beginners learning HTML, and those ready to deepen their understanding as well.


  • 8 Minute HTML Primer
  • Need to learn the rudiments of HTML in a hurry? Or just want to learn the very basics before diving in? This site is the great granddaddy of all html tutorials, and will show you what HTML is, how it works, a few basic commands, and how to create your own web page in 8 minutes flat (9 minutes if you do a little extra credit work). This is an absolutely great place for beginners to start.

    Note: this is just an introduction to the concepts of HTML written many years ago, and not updated to reflect changes to HTML. It is not html5 compliant -- nor should you be to worried about what that even means yet if you are a beginner. This tutorial is still an excellent starting place.

  • Visual QuickStart Guide: HTML, XHTML, and CSS, Sixth Edition
  • Castro, Elizabeth. Berkeley, CA: Peachpit Press, August 26, 2006.

    This book only covers up to html 4. This means, of course, that some of the information in this book is no longer best practice and some is deprecated in favor of new ways in html 5, however it is easily still the best written tutorial and reference on html in existence. I recommend that everyone (beginners and advanced) read this cover to cover, and keep a copy nearby for reference. It is the perfect foundation, then, supplement this knowledge with other information on html 5.

  • Essential HTML Tags
  • A quick reference list for the core html tags that a beginner needs to know.

  • Troubleshoot your HTML Code
  • Having trouble with your beginner html code? This is a checklist of things to look for in your problemed code.

  • W3 Schools HTML Tutorial
  • Good tutorial and general HTML reference. The best online location to go to generally deepen your understanding of the basics of HTML.

  • What is HTML 5?
  • A good introduction from the folks at W3 Schools.

  • JavaScript
  • A good place to start if you are curious about learning how to enhance your HTML.