How to Get Started with Web Development as a Beginner

Hi! If you’ve ever wanted to build a website from scratch—whether it’s a blog, a portfolio, or just a fun project—you’re in the right place. Web development is the art and science of creating websites. Whether you want to build a personal portfolio or launch the next big app, it all starts with the basics: HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, and it’s easier to start than you might think. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the basics: setting up your tools, learning HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, and making your site work on any device. Let’s dive in!

Step 1: Set Up Your Development Environment

Before you write code, you need the right tools. Here’s what I recommend:

  • Text Editor: Grab Visual Studio Code—it’s free, lightweight, and packed with features like auto-complete.

  • Browser: Use Chrome or Firefox to test your websites.

Pro tip: Open VS Code, hit Ctrl +(backtick) to open the terminal, and typeHello, world!`. You’re already in dev mode!

Step 2: Learn HTML – The Structure of Your Site

HTML (HyperText Markup Language) is the skeleton of every webpage. It tells the browser what content to display, like headings and paragraphs.

Here’s a simple example:

html



My First Webpage


Hello, World!


Welcome to my site!



Save this as index.html, open it in your browser, and boom—you’ve got a webpage! Check out MDN Web Docs, W3 Schools and FreeCodeCamp for more.

Common Mistake: Forgetting to close tags (e.g.,

needs a

).

Step 3: Style It with CSS

CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) makes your site pretty. Want a blue heading? Here’s how:

h1 {
color: blue;
text-align: center;
}
p {
font-size: 18px;
}

Add this in a tag inside or link a separate .css file like this:

Play around with CSS-Tricks W3 Schools to level up your styling game.

Step 4: Add Interactivity with JavaScript

JavaScript brings your site to life. Want a button that changes text? Try this:


Original text


`

Add this to your HTML, click the button, and watch the magic happen. Learn more at JavaScript.info.

Watch Out: JavaScript is case-sensitive—changeText isn’t the same as changetext.

Step 5: Make It Responsive

Your site should look good on phones and laptops alike. Use CSS media queries:

@media (max-width: 600px) {
h1 {
font-size: 20px;
}
}

Test it by resizing your browser. MDN’s responsive design guide is a goldmine for this.

Step 6: Keep Going!

You’ve got the basics down—now what?

  • Build Projects: Start with a personal webpage or a to-do list.
  • Explore More: Try frameworks like React or backend tools like Node.js.
  • Stay Motivated: Join communities like r/webdev or DEV.to (you’re already here!).

Every line of code you write gets you closer to being a web dev pro. My favorite tip? Build something you’re excited about—like a site for your favorite game or hobby.