In this section, we will cover the necessary steps to set up your environment for HTML development. This includes choosing the right text editor, understanding the basic tools required, and setting up a simple project structure.

A text editor is a software application that allows you to write and edit code. There are many text editors available, each with its own set of features. Here are some popular options:

Recommendation: For beginners, Visual Studio Code (VS Code) is highly recommended due to its user-friendly interface and extensive features.

1. Download VS Code:

   • Go to the VS Code download page.
   • Choose the appropriate version for your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux).

2. Install VS Code:

   • Run the downloaded installer.
   • Follow the installation instructions.
   • Launch VS Code after installation.

1. Download Sublime Text:

   • Go to the Sublime Text download page.
   • Choose the appropriate version for your operating system.

2. Install Sublime Text:

   • Run the downloaded installer.
   • Follow the installation instructions.
   • Launch Sublime Text after installation.

Once you have your text editor installed, it's time to set up a simple project structure for your HTML files.

1. Create a New Folder:

   • Create a new folder on your computer where you will store your HTML files. You can name it something like MyFirstWebsite.

2. Open the Folder in Your Text Editor:

   • Open your text editor (e.g., VS Code).
   • Go to File > Open Folder....
   • Select the MyFirstWebsite folder you just created.

1. Create a New File:

   • In your text editor, go to File > New File.

2. Save the File:

   • Save the new file with the name index.html by going to File > Save As... and selecting the MyFirstWebsite folder.

3. Add Basic HTML Structure:

   • Type the following basic HTML structure into your index.html file:

4. Save the File:
   • Save the changes by going to File > Save or pressing Ctrl + S (Windows) or Cmd + S (macOS).

To see your HTML file in action, you need to open it in a web browser.

1. Locate the File:

   • Navigate to the MyFirstWebsite folder on your computer.

2. Open the File:

   • Double-click on the index.html file. It should open in your default web browser.

3. View the Result:

   • You should see a webpage with a heading that says "Welcome to My First Website" and a paragraph that says "This is a simple HTML page."

Congratulations! You have successfully set up your environment for HTML development. You have chosen a text editor, created a project folder, written your first HTML file, and viewed it in a web browser. This foundational setup will enable you to follow along with the rest of the course and build more complex HTML pages.

In the next section, we will dive into the Basic HTML Structure, where you will learn about the essential components that make up an HTML document.