Editing an HTML file is similar to crafting a digital document, but instead of just words, you’re shaping an interactive webpage. HTML files typically have the extension .html or .htm. These extensions tell your computer that the file contains HTML code, and it should be interpreted as a webpage.
To edit an HTML file, you’ll need a text editor. While there are many premium options available with advanced features, beginners can start with free editors that are just as powerful. Here are three popular free editors:
- Visual Studio Code (VSCode): Developed by Microsoft, VSCode is a lightweight but powerful source code editor that works on Windows, macOS, and Linux. It comes with built-in support for HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, plus a plethora of extensions to enhance its capabilities.
- Atom: Brought to you by the team at GitHub, Atom is a modern, open-source text editor that’s customizable to the core. Its friendly interface and package manager make it a favorite among developers.
- Notepad++: Exclusively for Windows, Notepad++ is a robust upgrade from the default Notepad. It supports various programming languages, including HTML, and offers features like syntax highlighting and auto-completion.
- CodePen: Unlike traditional editors, CodePen is an online platform that allows users to write and test HTML, CSS, and JavaScript code directly in a web browser. It’s an interactive playground where developers can create, share, and remix projects. One of its standout features is the real-time visual feedback it offers, as you can immediately see the results of your code changes.
Once you’ve chosen your editor, open the HTML file in it. You’ll see the raw HTML code, ready for editing. After making changes, save the file, and you can view your edits by opening the file in a web browser. Remember, while editing, it’s a good practice to frequently check your changes in the browser to ensure everything looks and functions as intended.
