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.

There are several online courses and resources available for beginners who want to learn web design. Some popular options include:

1. Codecademy
2. Udemy
3. Coursera
4. Treehouse
5. Lynda.com

You do not necessarily need a degree to become a web designer. However, having a degree or certificate in web design or a related field can improve your credibility and job prospects.

Some relevant certifications for web design include:

1. Adobe Certified Associate
2. Certified Web Designer by the World Organization of Webmasters
3. Google Developers Certification
4. Smashing Magazine Certified Web Designer

Ultimately, the best course of action depends on your personal preferences and career goals. It's essential to research and evaluate your options carefully to determine which courses and certifications are most relevant to your needs.

Here are some recommended courses and steps to get started:

HTML and CSS: These are the fundamental building blocks of web design. Begin by learning HTML, which defines the structure of web pages, and CSS, which controls the visual presentation. Codecademy and freeCodeCamp offer excellent beginner-friendly tutorials on HTML and CSS.

JavaScript: Once you're comfortable with HTML and CSS, expand your skills by learning JavaScript. It's a versatile programming language that adds interactivity and dynamic elements to websites. Codecademy and MDN Web Docs provide resources for learning JavaScript.

Responsive Web Design: With the increasing variety of devices and screen sizes, it's crucial to design websites that adapt to different platforms. Learn about responsive web design principles and techniques to create websites that look great on desktops, tablets, and mobile devices.

User Experience (UX) Design: Understanding user experience is essential for designing websites that are intuitive, user-friendly, and visually appealing. Online courses such as Coursera's "Interaction Design Specialization" and Udemy's "UX & Web Design Master Course" can help you grasp the fundamentals.

Graphic Design: While not mandatory, having a basic understanding of graphic design principles can greatly enhance your web design skills. Courses on platforms like Udemy and Skillshare can introduce you to graphic design fundamentals, color theory, typography, and more.

Content Management Systems (CMS): Familiarize yourself with popular CMS platforms like WordPress, Drupal, or Joomla. These systems simplify the process of building and managing websites, and understanding them can broaden your web design opportunities.

Portfolio Development: As you gain knowledge and practical experience, start building a portfolio of your work. Create your own projects or contribute to open-source projects to showcase your skills to potential clients or employers. A portfolio is often more valuable than a degree when it comes to landing web design jobs.

Certificates can be beneficial as they demonstrate your commitment and knowledge in specific areas. Consider pursuing certificates from reputable organizations like Coursera, Udemy, or LinkedIn Learning, which offer web design-related programs.

Remember, web design is a field where practical skills and a strong portfolio often matter more than formal degrees. However, if you have the opportunity and resources, pursuing a degree in web design or a related field can provide you with a comprehensive education and a deeper understanding of design principles and theory.

Ultimately, continuous learning, staying updated with current web design trends, and gaining practical experience through personal projects or internships will be crucial to your success as a web designer.