Learn HTML Basics for Backend Engineers

A step-by-step guide for backend engineers to master HTML basics. Build skills by working on a personal website project and demonstrate learning through practical, measurable results.

Weekly Hours: 10
Estimated Weeks: 8

Phases

Getting Started with HTML

Learn what HTML is and how it works. Get familiar with basic tags and structure. Understand how web browsers use HTML to show web pages.

2 weeks

Understand HTML structure
Use the most common HTML tags
Create a simple web page
Test HTML in a browser

Write HTML tags (<h1>, <p>, <a>, <img>)
Use headings and paragraphs (add <h1>, <h2>, <p> to page)
Add images and links (insert <img> and <a> tags)
Save and open HTML files (in browser)

Official HTML documentation
Beginner HTML tutorials
FreeOnline HTML Editors

Create and open a simple HTML page in browser
Use at least 5 different tags on one page
Explain what each tag does in a short note

Building Page Layouts and Forms

Learn how to organize web pages using HTML layout tags. Explore how to build simple forms for user input (like contact forms). Try each layout in your personal project.

2 weeks

Arrange content with layout tags
Build and test a form
Use tables and lists
Add basic structure to your project

Create lists and tables (make a menu with <ul> or <table>)
Structure sections using <div> and <span>
Build a contact form (with <input>, <label>, <form>)
Group content by purpose

HTML Forms Guide
HTML Tables and Lists Tutorials

Add a contact form to your website
Use at least one list and one table
Write short notes about your choices under each section

Styling HTML and Accessibility

Begin using simple CSS to make your pages look better. Learn how to help everyone access your web pages by adding good labels and features for screen readers.

2 weeks

Apply basic styles to your pages
Use colors and fonts
Make your pages more accessible
Add alt text to images

Add CSS directly in HTML (<style> section)
Change colors and fonts (set background-color, font-family)
Use alt attribute for images (write alt text for each <img>)
Label form fields for accessibility

Intro to CSS Tutorials
Web Accessibility Guides

Style your personal website’s homepage with CSS
Add alt text to all images and labels to all inputs
Document changes with before-after screenshots

Interactivity and Testing

Find out how to add simple interactions using HTML elements. Learn how to check your website for problems and test form inputs.

1 weeks

Use form validation
Check web page with online validators
Test basic interactivity

Set required fields in forms (use required attribute)
Test pages in different browsers (Chrome, Firefox)
Validate HTML (use online HTML validator)

Online HTML Validators
Basic Form Testing Guides

Fix all errors found by HTML validator
Test form to ensure required fields work
Summarize your test results in a short note

Showcase, Documentation, and Deployment

Get your project ready to show to others. Write simple documentation. Deploy your personal site using a free web hosting service.

1 weeks

Prepare a project demo
Write user documentation
Deploy the website
Add a CI badge to show build success

Create a demo video or screenshots (show project features)
Write a README file (include how to use and changes made)
Upload project to a free host (like GitHub Pages)
Add a badge to README (display site is online)

Beginner Guides to Deployment
README Writing Tutorials
GitHub Pages Documentation

Project is live and viewable online
README file includes all key sections
CI badge shows deployment status

Weekly Plan

Week	Focus	Why	Tasks	Deliverables
1	HTML Basics and Structure	Build a strong foundation in HTML essentials	Read basic HTML guides, Write and save your first HTML file (Notepad or VS Code), Open the file in a browser, Practice with headings, paragraphs, and links	A simple web page with 5+ tags, Short note describing each tag
2	Using Images, Lists, and Tables	Learn to organize content and add visuals	Add images using <img> tags, Create bullet and numbered lists, Make a basic table, Test changes in your browser	Page with image, list, and table sections, Notes on tag use
3	Forms and Input Fields	Understand how to collect user data	Read about HTML forms, Create a contact form with name and email fields, Use <label> tags for accessibility, Test input in browser	Working contact form page, Screenshot of filled form
4	Page Layout Using Div and Span	Control page structure using layout elements	Group sections with <div> and <span>, Begin homepage layout for project, Organize header, main, footer areas, Save changes in your project folder	Updated site with clear layout sections, Diagram of page sections
5	Intro to CSS Styling	Make your site more attractive and clear	Read basic CSS guides, Add styles inside <style> tag in HTML, Change background color and font, Style headers and links	Styled homepage, List of CSS rules used
6	Accessibility and Form Improvements	Help more people use your site	Write alt text for every image, Add labels to all form fields, Mark required inputs, Check colors for good contrast	Accessibility checklist completed, Screenshots before and after fixes
7	Testing and Validation	Fix errors and make a better user experience	Test site in two browsers, Use an online HTML validator, Fix any HTML errors, Try submitting the form with missing info	Validation report with all errors fixed, Short summary of testing results
8	Final Presentation and Deployment	Showcase your work and put it online	Write a README for your project, Record a demo or take screenshots, Deploy site on free hosting (GitHub Pages), Add CI badge to your README	Project live online, README file linked to deployed site