While there will always be additions and edits to make, this “master” reading list is a good framework for learning the basics of web development from the ground up, starting with HTML before proceeding to CSS, JavaScript and other subjects. Each reading list contains supplementary material, together with recommended resources and suggested exercises.

Goal: learn semantic, accessible HTML markup; create a basic web site.

Required Skills: basic computer literacy

Total time (core material): 40 hours

1. Introduction to Web Development
2. Basic Web Development Tools
3. Basic HTML
4. HTML5 Backgrounder
5. HTML5 Markup
6. Basic Typography & Writing
7. Lists & Links
8. Image Basics
9. Tables
10. Forms
11. Dates, Time, Units & Events
12. Multimedia

While they are not technically part of HTML, learning how to create favicons, along with the principles of accessibility and search engine optimization, is a very useful goal at this stage:

1. Favicons
2. Accessibility
3. Search Engine Optimization

When You’re Done

This reading list has concentrated on HTML, with styling applied to your markup as necessary. The next obvious step is to look at CSS in depth, to make your pages appear how you wish.

Photograph by Jerry Patterson, used with permission.

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