A Primer on HTML, CSS and JavaScript

Elevate your web content with a few basic skills.

Summary

You do not need to know any computer languages to use the Digital Commons platform, but knowing a few basics can help you elevate your content. 

Audience

Web Managers and Publishers

The Languages that Built the Internet

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    HTML

    HTML stands for Hyper Text Markup Language. It provides the content and structure for a website and its pages. If one were to compare a website to a house, HTML would make up the walls, floor, and roof.

    Much like the English language follows certain rules for grammar and punctuation, HTML follows rules and proper syntax. HTML start tags are enclosed within <>, and end tags within </>. Attributes provide details about HTML elements.

    The Digital Commons platform provides the HTML structure for your website so you don't have to, letting you focus on content. You don't need to learn HTML, but a basic understanding can be helpful if you want to: 

    • Customize .CSV files to include formatting, hyperlinks, or images for the Data Table content type or NC Map component. 
    • Provide a title attribute for an inline frame.
    • Remove unwanted formatting from pasted text using the Source option within the Text Editor. However, a better alternative is to use Ctrl + Shift + V to strip formatting if you must paste content. 

    Look Up HTML Tags

    Look Up HTML Attributes

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    CSS

    CSS stands for Cascading Style Sheets. It provides the color and style that dictates how a website and its HTML content appears. If one were to compare a website to a house, CSS would represent the paint, carpet, wallpaper, and other aesthetic features.

    The Digital Commons platform pre-styles your website with easy-to-read fonts and accessible colors provided by your Color Palette. You don't need to learn CSS- the Digital Commons code base already contains a few pre-built styles that you can apply to your content to make it stand out. 

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    JavaScript

    JavaScript, or JS, controls the behavior and interactions of a website and its pages. If one were to compare a website to a house, JavaScript would represent the electricity and lighting, flow of plumbing, and movement of doors, cabinets, and windows.

    Support Required

    Users cannot add JavaScript to their Digital Commons website. The Website Manager can submit a Support Request to discuss their desired use case with the Digital Solutions team. 

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    Resources

    You don't need to learn front-end web development skills to use the Digital Commons platform, but if you want to learn more, check out these free tutorials. 

    w3schools.com

    geeksforgeeks.org

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    The house-building analogy is credited to Nitya Narasimhan and Jasmine Greenaway from their LinkedIn Learning course, "HTML, CSS, and JavaScript: Building the Web." State of North Carolina employees who are eligible for access to the State's LinkedIn Learning catalog can access this approachable beginner's course free of charge. Find out if you are eligible.