Intro to web design

8 Best (FREE) Web Development Courses for Beginners

• Codecademy
• Khan Academy
• MIT OpenCourseware
• Coursera
• Mozilla Developer Network
• HTML5 Rocks
• A List Apart
• Coding Dojo Algorithm Prep

A web developer is at heart an interactive artist. They’re people driven by a deep desire to create things. A web developer’s canvas is a user’s web browser. Much like how a curious child takes pleasure in making toys by joining LEGO blocks—and then experiences a similar joy in taking things apart to see how they’re made, a web developer’s job is to use the basic building blocks of the web (like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript) to create something complex like a webpage.

It is also the web developer’s job to diagnose problems in a website’s functionality, understand how something works by reading the code behind it, and make changes to fix any issues. That essentially makes web developers the physicians of the world wide web.

Note that you don't need any degree to be a web designer, but certificates will suffice with lots of experience to handle complex designs. The certificate will be after you have completed the course. As a beginner, you can start with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. 

All the best!

If you are interested in getting into web design as a beginner, there are a number of courses and educational programs that can help you learn the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in this field. Here are a few options to consider:

Online courses: There are many online courses and tutorials available that can teach you the basics of web design. These courses are often self-paced and can be taken at your own convenience. Some popular options include Udemy, Coursera, and edX.

Vocational schools: Vocational schools, also known as trade schools or technical colleges, offer short-term programs that can teach you the skills you need to enter a particular field. Many vocational schools offer web design programs that can be completed in a year or less.

Community colleges: Community colleges often offer two-year associate's degree programs in web design or a related field. These programs can provide a more in-depth education and may be more suitable for those who want to pursue a career in web design.

Universities: Universities often offer four-year bachelor's degree programs in web design or a related field. These programs can provide a more comprehensive education and may be more suitable for those who want to pursue advanced careers in web design.

In terms of whether you need a degree or just certificates, it really depends on your career goals and the job market in your area. Some entry-level positions in web design may only require a certificate or an associate's degree, while others may require a bachelor's degree or higher. It can be helpful to research the job market in your area and the requirements for the positions you are interested in to determine what level of education you will need.

There are many resources available for beginners wanting to learn web design, but some popular options include:

Books - There are many books available on web design that are geared towards beginners, including "HTML and CSS: Design and Build Websites" by Jon Duckett, and "Don't Make Me Think" by Steve Krug. These books can provide a solid foundation in web design principles and best practices.

Video tutorials - YouTube is a great resource for learning web design, with many channels dedicated to teaching beginners the basics of web design, as well as specific tools and techniques. Websites like W3Schools and MDN web docs also have a lot of interactive tutorials and examples.

Bootcamps - There are several web design boot camps offered in-person and online, which are intensive programs that teach web design skills in a short amount of time.

Practice - The most important thing to do is to practice on your own, create your own projects, and experiment with different tools and techniques. The more you practice, the more comfortable you'll become with web design and the better you'll be able to understand the concepts.

Here are a few popular online courses for web design:

Codecademy - Codecademy offers a comprehensive web design curriculum that includes courses on HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and responsive design. They also offer a Web Development Career Path that guides you through a series of courses to help you build a strong foundation in web design and prepare for a career in the field.

Udemy - Udemy offers a wide range of web design courses for beginners, from basic HTML and CSS to more advanced topics such as JavaScript and WordPress development.

Coursera - Coursera offers web design courses from top universities and institutions, including "Web Design for Everybody" from the University of Michigan, and "Web Design Fundamentals" from the University of London.

W3Schools - W3Schools is a popular website that offers free tutorials and interactive exercises on web design topics such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and responsive design.

FreeCodeCamp - FreeCodeCamp is a non-profit organization that offers a comprehensive web development curriculum that includes courses on HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and responsive design, along with an interactive coding environment where you can practice and build your own projects.

It's important to note that web design is a broad field, so it's a good idea to first decide what type of web design you want to specialize in, such as front-end web design, back-end web design, or full-stack web development, and then find the resources that best fit your needs.