Elementary concepts for basic web design
Lots of people want to learn web design these days. The process has become easier because advanced tools have automated much of the process. Still, there are elementary concepts that every web designer should know. These form the foundation upon which further skills can be built. If you’re just starting out in web design, read this article to get an introduction to the basics you should be familiar with.
Each website needs to have its own domain. This is the web address that is unique to each website, just like you have a unique address for your home. A domain name must be registered with a domain registrar. Because a domain name must be unique, there is a chance that the domain name you want is already in use. If that’s the case, you’ll have to think of another name. The domain registrar can tell you if the name is taken.
When you have a name available, you can continue with the registration. You will have an online form to complete. You will be given an option for the length of the record. Domain name registration is not for life. The term is limited and you must renew your registration before the term expires. If you allow your registration to expire, your domain name will go back into the pool and someone else can take it. If you value your domain name, be very diligent so that the registration does not expire.
You must learn the basics of HTML. Many tools tell you that you can build a website without knowing how to code in HTML. However, they don’t tell you that you will be limited in flexibility if you don’t know. Yes, you can create a website using only pre-made templates. However, if you don’t know enough HTML to customize it, you’ll only have a few layouts.
The same goes for coding in CSS or Cascading Style Sheets. CSS controls how your page looks in terms of layout, colors, font size, etc. If you have a firm understanding of HTML and CSS, you have conquered 80% of web design.
If you have selected web design software to use in creating your websites, learn its features thoroughly so that you can use it proficiently. Read the documentation and make some test web pages. You can only learn if you get practical experience. So experiment with the tool and get comfortable using it.
Your web design project will be done entirely on your computer. So make sure you have a good team to work with. You can use either a PC or a Mac. You need to make sure that the web building tools you want can be installed on your platform. You must have a fast and reliable internet connection because you will be transferring your work files from your computer to your live website.
Learning web design is not difficult; it just takes the right mindset. There are no shortcuts if you want to learn the right way.
