If you’re starting your journey in web development, the first step is setting up a proper HTML editor. An HTML editor allows you to write, edit, and preview your code efficiently. This guide explores the best HTML editors, how to install them, and the necessary extensions to enhance your coding experience.
Choosing an HTML Editor
To write and edit HTML code, you need a code editor. Here are some of the best options available:
Best HTML Editors for Beginners
VS Code (Visual Studio Code)
- Most popular editor with powerful features.
- Lightweight and fast.
- Supports extensions for enhanced functionality.
Sublime Text
- Simple and fast, great for beginners.
- Requires a license for full features.
Atom (No Longer Maintained)
- Open-source and customizable.
- It lacks updates as GitHub no longer maintains it.
Brackets
- Designed for web development.
- It’s less potent than VS Code, but it’s still a good option.
Best Choice: VS Code is highly recommended due to its flexibility, support for multiple languages, and extensions.
Installing VS Code
To get started with VS Code, follow these steps:
- Visit the VS Code Official Website.
- Download the version for your operating system (Windows, Mac, or Linux).
- Install the software following the on-screen instructions.
- Open VS Code and explore its features.
Essential VS Code Extensions
Extensions enhance the functionality of your editor. Here are some must-have VS Code extensions for HTML development:
- Live Server – Automatically refreshes the browser when you save changes.
- HTML CSS Support – Improves auto-complete for HTML & CSS.
- Prettier – Auto-formats your code for better readability.
To install these extensions:
- Open VS Code.
- Click the Extensions icon (or press Ctrl + Shift + X).
- Search for the extension name and click Install.
Creating Your First HTML File
Once your editor is ready, it’s time to write your first HTML file.
- Open VS Code.
- Create a new folder for your project (e.g.,
my-website
). - Inside the folder, create a file named index.html.
- Add this basic HTML structure:
<!DOCTYPE html>
<html lang="en">
<head>
<meta charset="UTF-8">
<meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0">
<title>My First Website</title>
</head>
<body>
<h1>Welcome to My First Website!</h1>
<p>This is my first HTML page.</p>
</body>
</html>
- Save the file (
Ctrl + S
orCmd + S
).
Running Your HTML File
Now that you’ve written your first HTML file, let’s run it in a browser.
Method 1: Open in Browser
- Right-click on
index.html
. - Select Open with → Choose Chrome/Firefox/Edge.
Method 2: Using Live Server (Best Method)
- Install the Live Server extension in VS Code.
- Right-click on
index.html
and select Open with Live Server. - Your webpage will open in the browser and update automatically when you save changes.
Setting up an HTML editor is the first step towards building web pages. By installing VS Code and the right extensions, you can make your workflow faster and more efficient. Now that your setup is complete, you’re ready to move on to the basic structure of an HTML page.