Introducing books that should be referred to when learning HTML and CSS!

When creating a site, it is necessary to understand HTML and CSS as a major premise.

It is possible to display the contents even if you do not use it because it is the role of adjusting the appearance of the site.

However, it is no exaggeration to say that there are no sites with no design at all. Most sites use CSS. If you use HTML, you can say that CSS is also essential.

There is a lot of information available on the Internet about HTML and CSS.

If there is something that even advanced users do not understand, they search it on google. However, learning everything from search may not be very realistic.

You need a solid foundation to learn from the basics.

It is the basis of the Internet society to make multifaceted judgments based on multiple pieces of information rather than accepting one piece of information without question.

However, if you get information from different sites every time you search, the axis will be blurred.

Books and books are suitable for learning the basics.

Written along one axis from beginning to end, it is ideal for systematic learning .

In addition to books, internet searches will give you a deeper understanding.

In this article, we introduce how to choose books that you should refer to when learning HTML and CSS, and recommended books.

If you are thinking of learning HTML and CSS from now on, please refer to it.

How to choose HTML/CSS learning books

First of all, I will explain how to choose a book for learning HTML and CSS based on what criteria.

Choose a book that suits your level

Books for study must be chosen according to each level.

If you get it wrong, it will be too difficult to understand, or too easy to gain anything .

beginner

If you are a beginner, choose a book that teaches you the basics.

If you suddenly buy a book for advanced users, you won’t be able to understand the content.

It is written on the premise that you know the basics and take it for granted, so there is no detailed explanation.

An exhaustive book from 1 to 10 is also not recommended for beginners.

This is because the content is too broad to comprehend .

These books are quite expensive, and we tend to think that if you buy them anyway, they are packed with content. However, if you get your hands on these books from the beginning, there are a lot of things you don’t understand, so the cost performance is not good.

Beginners should choose books that emphasize the basics.

Also, it is important to know for what purpose you want to learn HTML and CSS.

If you want to create a website, I recommend that you thoroughly explain the basics of HTML and CSS.

If you don’t want to create your own website, but you need knowledge for your work, choose a website that covers a wide range of basic knowledge such as javascript as well as HTML and CSS.

It makes it easier to understand the overall flow of web production.

Beginners can get lost in things like uploading a server, so it would be even better if it was a book that included these explanations in addition to the basics.

Intermediate

When you become an intermediate, you will almost certainly use javascript and sass if you are dealing with HTML and CSS.

If you think you have mastered the basics of HTML and CSS, you should also learn javascript and sass.

Also, be aware of what you will learn next . It can also be said that it is the direction in which you should go. For designers, for programmers, etc.

If you’re more of a designer, it’s a good idea to learn layouts from books that deal with many design-related topics.

For programmers, PHP and MySQL.

It’s a little more difficult, so please learn from the basics as well.

Senior

If you are aiming to be an advanced designer, it is also important to be aware of trends.

Web design trends change very quickly and designers need to keep up.

If you want to become an expert in programming, it is important to delve into programming languages .

Also, if you are aiming for a director, I recommend a book on web marketing. 

Choose a book that covers the latest version

HTML and CSS have versions. Things like “HTML5” and “CSS3”.

Features are added or removed with each new version.

If you study with an old version, you will not know the mainstream technology at that time, and what you have learned will be wasted.

Time moves very fast in the web industry, and technology changes frequently.

Sometimes a second-hand book you get at a bargain price turns out to be completely outdated. Check the latest version at that time and choose a book that corresponds to it.

This is the same for software necessary for web production, such as Photoshop.

Version updates occur frequently, so if you’re buying a book, make sure you’re dealing with the latest version .

Paper books are preferred over e-books

The proportion of e-books in all books is increasing. Among those who want to learn HTML and CSS, there are probably many people who have a strong interest in the trend toward computerization.

However, paper books are recommended for learning.

There is a limit to the amount that can be displayed with e-books, and one content may span many pages.

In that respect, paper books are suitable for learning while watching because the contents are summarized on one page .

However, e-books also have their advantages.

It’s convenient to carry around, so it’s suitable for books with dictionary-like content such as HTML tag collections.

Recommended books

From here, I will introduce recommended books on HTML and CSS, mainly for beginners.

Basics of HTML & CSS that you can easily understand, 2nd edition

This is a revised edition of the bestseller that has sold 40,000 copies. The first edition was released in 2013 and has been around for a long time. The second edition updates the source code according to the trend, and the explanation is polite and easy to understand.

The flow is to create a small site and learn the basics of HTML and CSS. You can also learn how to use smartphones and tablets.

As the copy says, “I understand why you write that way,” you can understand the concept of web production in the process of creating one site .

Since you can read it smoothly, it is ideal for an introductory book in a state where you do not know what HTML / CSS is.

Starting from the stage before starting production, we will explain the elements that make up the website and the basic knowledge of HTML.

Once you have the initial knowledge, it’s time to put it into practice. We will learn things such as links and CSS adjustments in the actual production flow.

And at the end, we also introduce the procedure for publishing, so you can learn the basics of website creation in a well-balanced manner even from scratch.

You can grasp the image just by reading it once, and you will deepen your understanding by reading it repeatedly.

It also explains how to set up the tools, which is easy for beginners to get stuck.

It is a good book that requires almost no prior knowledge and is fun to learn.

HTML & CSS and web design introductory course that you can learn everything in one book

As mentioned above, it is one of the topics that boasts a brilliant track record.

The author is also known as the manager of “Web Creator Box”, a very popular site where you can learn about the latest web-related information and design.

Beginning with “Chapter 1 Let’s Know First! Website Basics”, the contents explain the basics, but you can learn not only HTML and CSS but also design.

However, it’s not overly crammed, and it’s systematically explained in order, so there’s no need for beginners to keep up.

In a practical format, you can also learn techniques that professionals use in the field .

It is also a point that the content is in line with trends, such as creating a full-screen website and creating a tile-type website.

The fact that there are few characters and is easy to read is also a great feature for beginners. You can read smoothly.

Samples are available for download. Hands-on learning with real code would greatly facilitate understanding.

However, there are many indications that the explanation of the basics of the basics is insufficient. If you are a beginner who really doesn’t know anything, you may need some preparation.

The first book of HTML/CSS & Web design that you can learn the basics with just this

As the title suggests, this is a book written with the assumption that beginners will pick up the first book.

Gradually step up from basic content, and eventually learn responsive support and CSS animation.

The flow is to create four sites linked to the story.

You can learn practical techniques while building different types of sites like this.

Every step has been devised to prevent stumbling, such as preparing files for each procedure.

The explanations using pop illustrations are also popular for being easy to understand. The important parts are also prepared with videos and explained in detail.

Not only the main story but also the benefits are very powerful.

All of them are fulfilling contents that stand independently as one content.

There are many reviews that it is easy to understand, and the evaluation that it is best for beginners is solid.

The world’s most easy-to-understand HTML5 & CSS3 coding and site creation textbook

The authors are teaching professionals who teach at vocational schools.

The contents of all 15 chapters are systematically based on the contents of the actual lectures.

At the end of each chapter, there are practice questions similar to school tests.

Contents include description of HTML and CSS, basic knowledge of site creation, methods of publishing and management.

The HTML chapter covers coding basics, markup for images, links, navigation, tables, forms, and more.

The CSS chapter covers text styling and layout techniques.

You can download the practice files so you can learn while moving your hands.

It doesn’t take long to read, so it’s suitable for grasping not only the basics but also the general flow of web production. It is very easy to read and is recommended as a general review of the basic stages and as a review book.

An introduction to the HTML+CSS standard that goes from a novice to a proper professional

The theme is “starting with 30 minutes a day”, and the contents are easy to pick up.

Each article has a study time guideline of 15 minutes, 30 minutes, 60 minutes, etc., and is structured so that you can study at your own pace.

It begins with an introduction to the knowledge that forms the basis of production, such as the flow of work on site.

After acquiring the initial knowledge, it is the basics of HTML and CSS, and then its application.

From there, we will enter the know-how to actually create a site and gradually step up. A wide range of skills can be acquired step by step as it is a flow of building 5 sites with different types and degrees of difficulty.

Active lecturers who teach at universities and vocational schools will explain in an easy-to-understand manner , so even beginners will be able to proceed smoothly.

Many of these books only describe the code, but this book has a solid theory.

I also recommend the “Starting from Beginner to Professional Web Design Basics” and “Starting from Beginner to Professional JavaScript Basics” from the same series.

HTML5 & CSS3 Design Book

We will proceed with the flow of actually creating the website.

It is one of the classic books of its kind that teaches not only HTML and CSS skills but also the process of creating a website .

It is structured in a step-by-step lesson format, and you can acquire skills step by step.

[Fundamentals] is the basics of layout, how to arrange boxes, etc. You will learn how to handle columns on the website.

In [Practice], we will acquire practical skills by actually drawing up two different types of sites, “blog/news site” and “business site” from scratch.

[Applied] is a technique related to usability and appearance corresponding to multiple devices. We introduce TIPS that are useful in the field.

The flow of learning is carefully structured, but there is no commentary on the basics of the basics.

It is recommended for those who aim to step up to intermediate level, not the first book for beginners from scratch.

Easy Ex HTML & CSS reverse lookup encyclopedia that can be used right now

It covers the basics of HTML and CSS. As the title suggests, it is in a dictionary format, so you can look up what you don’t understand.

It explains how to use tags and properties for each purpose, and is very convenient when you want to find out how to achieve what you want to do.

It may not be the first book to get you into the real basics, but it will help you a lot from the beginning if you’re just starting out.

It covers 15 chapters and covers a wide range of topics.

In addition to the basics such as links and text, there are also contents such as responsive correspondence and input forms, so it is a book that is trusted not only by beginners but also by those who use HTML / CSS in practice .

There are so many things you can do with HTML and CSS that even advanced users don’t know everything.

There are many patterns for the contents such as lists, menus, and layouts, so it is a reliable source of ideas when you are lost.

By reading from the beginning, you will discover that you can do things like this with HTML and CSS.

HTML Textbook HTML5 Professional Certification Test Level 2 Speedmaster Problem Collection Ver2.0 Compatible

This is a workbook for “HTML5 Professional Certification Exam Level 2 Ver2.0”.

A private qualification sponsored by the specified non-profit organization “LPI-Japan” examines whether you can appropriately handle skills such as HTML5, CSS3, and JavaScript.

Web production does not necessarily require qualifications.

Even if you don’t have qualifications, you will be evaluated if you have a track record. On the contrary, even if you have qualifications, it is a job that does not lead to evaluation without achievements.

But that doesn’t mean qualifications are meaningless. It proves that you have the skills, so it is not uncommon for you to work in an advantageous manner when changing jobs.

This book covers the complete range of questions and is a certified teaching material that has passed the examination.

There are plenty of practice questions and two mock exams are also provided. If you are thinking about taking the exam, this is a must-have book.

It is also recommended for those who do not take the exam. We carefully select high-quality problems, so you will be able to improve your skills just by solving them.

There is an explanation after the problem, so if you don’t understand something, you can check it immediately.

Comprehensive learning is possible and effective in solidifying the basics.

Level 2 is a little more difficult, so if you are a beginner, we recommend starting with level 1.

A book that properly teaches HTML & CSS and web design in one volume

It is a book that teaches you the basics of site creation while actually moving your hands and creating 4 layout patterns and responsive designs .

The four layout patterns are used by many sites, and you can acquire practical skills.

Responsive design is also very practical.

Currently, access from smartphones exceeds access from PCs to many websites. It is no exaggeration to say that responsive design is an essential technology in web production sites.

It’s not for learning, but introduces techniques that are actually used at work, so you can absorb a lot of techniques that you can use for a long time.

The tutorial has a live feeling, and it is a book that you can learn as if you were receiving OJT at a web production company.

Not for absolute beginners and requires some basics.

However, since the basics are well covered, it is recommended for beginners who want to step up to the next level.

HTML5 & CSS3 Design New Standard Guide for Workplaces [2nd Edition]

Although it explains HTML and CSS, it is a book written mainly from a design perspective. You can see how to incorporate HTML and CSS into the design.

It also explains the specifications of HTML and CSS and the compatibility status of browsers.

The explanations are in a dictionary format, so if you don’t understand something, you can look it up immediately, and the structure is very easy to understand.

There are also detailed explanations of trending layout methods such as flexible box layout and grid layout, so you will be able to incorporate them into your actual production immediately.

This book is not for beginners. We recommend picking it up after learning the basics.

Even if you become an advanced user, you can use it for a long time, and you can get new discoveries even after acquiring general knowledge.

not satisfied with just reading

People who study new things tend to be satisfied with just incorporating knowledge.

No matter how good a book you read, it is meaningless if you do not apply what you have learned from it.

Practical skills such as HTML and CSS, in particular, are difficult to acquire just by reading books. You have to actually move your hands while reading a book . Experience and learn.

Among those who learn by reading books, there are many who do not go to school at all and try to master everything by self-study.

This method of learning is inexpensive and has the advantage of being self-paced. However, it takes much more time than having someone teach you.

At the school, the curriculum is designed to efficiently acquire skills. It is also very efficient that you can immediately ask what you don’t understand.

In book-based learning, no matter how good the content of the book you read, you can’t learn efficiently. It is impossible for books to respond flexibly, such as explaining according to the level of understanding.

You don’t learn much just by reading a book once. Read it over and over again and make sure you understand what it says.

Even if you go to school, you may use books together.

You can expect a synergistic effect between the school and the book, but it is the same that just reading the book is meaningless. If you are a school, you may be designated a book.

What you have to be careful about here is that you don’t read it obligatory.

Don’t just read it because it’s specified, but because it’s such a wonderful book that it’s specified, you need to be prepared to absorb as much as possible .

When you study from a book, be proactive and try to put it into practice.

 summary

I explained about books for learning HTML and CSS. First of all, the choice is very important.

Be sure to carefully examine your level, compatibility with the latest version, book format, etc.

Then choose the one that you think is right for you. The 10 books introduced in this article are:

Each one has its own unique characteristics, so you are sure to find a book that suits you.

Please choose according to your own learning stance, such as level, learning format, purpose, and direction .

You may also want to consider design. If it is a book with good taste, it will be a study of design, and it will be fun to read. If the design sense of the sample is good, it can be used as a reference for actual production.

However, just reading a book is meaningless. Try to make the most of what you have learned from reading the book.