WordPress provides an excellent introduction to the world of web development. This website development platform is incredibly popular because it features intuitive navigation panels so you can build and customize a website without needing to know how to code. In addition to basic templates for web development, individuals can also access a wide variety of WordPress plug-ins to add further interactivity and functionality to their site.
Once you’ve learned how to use WordPress, it might be time to gain experience using additional web development tools. This includes learning how to code! Below are some great tools to learn if you plan on working on websites in the future.
HTML and CSS
If you’d like to have complete control over customizing your WordPress website, learning how to code with HTML and CSS is a great investment of your time. Hypertext Markup Language (HTML) is used to create the basic framework for a website. More specifically, HTML “tags” specific components of your site (for example, as a headline, image, or paragraph). Your browser then reads these tags and displays the website accordingly.
Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) then adds styling to your site, including by defining the font type and size, colors, and layout of your website. CSS is also used to make your website responsive so that it looks good no matter what size screen you view it from. Generally, individuals will take the time to learn HTML before learning CSS, as it has a slightly more straightforward syntax.
How to Learn HTML and CSS
Many people teach themselves how to code with HTML and CSS. There are numerous resources available online that individuals can use to learn HTML, including tutorials and YouTube videos. Taking the time to learn HTML and CSS on the side can be a great option if you don’t plan to pursue a formal role in web development and are simply looking to gain new skills.
Some may prefer to learn HTML and CSS in a more structured environment, especially individuals who would like to pursue roles as Web Developers. A great way to do so is by enrolling in a virtual or in-person class such as those offered by Noble Desktop. Noble’s Intro to HTML & CSS class teaches students how to code a website using these languages, including formatting paragraphs and headings, creating links, and adding images.
Students who want to learn HTML and CSS as part of a more comprehensive web development course may consider Noble’s Web Development Level 1 class instead. This course covers the same topics as the Intro to HTML and CSS course on the first day of class. Then, instructors move on to more involved topics like adding background images and style navigation, as well as making your website more responsive.
Additionally, students can enroll in Noble’s Advanced HTML & CSS class. In this class, students learn advanced techniques like using vector graphics, CSS variables, and advanced CSS selectors, among other topics.
JavaScript
While individuals typically learn HTML and CSS before taking the time to learn JavaScript, learning this programming language is another great way to build upon WordPress skills. That’s because Web Developers use JavaScript to add interactivity and dynamism to websites. For example, a Web Developer might use JavaScript to build a web application for their site.
How to Learn JavaScript
Individuals pursuing Computer Science degrees at a college or university may consider adding a JavaScript class to their course load. Alternatively, individuals can learn JavaScript through self-study or by enrolling in an online or virtual course. Noble Desktop offers several JavaScript classes.
Its JavaScript Development Certificate teaches students how to build web applications using this programming language. This includes learning how to use React, Node.js, Express.js, and MongoDB, among other tools. This class meets for nine weeks full-time or six months part-time.
Alternatively, you may be interested in Noble’s JavaScript Programming Fundamentals course, which introduces students to the basics of using this language. In this two-day course, students learn how JavaScript can be used to code web apps.
Adobe XD
Adobe XD is a software program used to build user experience and user interface design prototypes. In other words, it is used to design a “draft version” of something like a website or application so that clients can weigh in on whether or not they like its appearance. Web Developers can then use this prototype to actually build the website using code like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
Adobe XD is used by User Interface Designers, User Experience Designers, Graphic Designers, and Web Developers, just to name a few roles. If you’d like to pursue a career in one of these positions (or already are!), then learning Adobe XD might just be the right thing for you.
How to Learn Adobe XD
Individuals who are studying graphic design, web development, or user experience/user interface design at a college or university may learn Adobe XD as part of their course curriculum. Additionally, you may be able to teach yourself how to use this program using online tutorials and how-to videos.
Some may also choose to enroll in an online or in-person course. Noble Desktop offers several such courses, both virtually and in-person at the school’s Manhattan campus. Noble’s Adobe XD Bootcamp teaches individuals how to use this program for both user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) purposes.
Wrap-Up
WordPress is an excellent tool to learn for anyone who wants to learn how to build their own website. Once you’ve gained a foundation using WordPress, you can take your skills to the next level by learning how to use tools like HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and Adobe XD.
Before you go, we want to mention one final class, as it includes many of these tools in one course: Noble’s Front-end Web Development Certificate. Students who enroll in this course will have the opportunity to brush up on their WordPress skills, in addition to learning how to use HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. The course prepares students with the skills needed to succeed in front-end development roles.