Is HTML Coding Still Relevant in 2023?

Building a website in 2023? Should you bother learning HTML and CSS if there are drag-and-drop tools like Squarespace that can offer a seamless site building experience? While these tools provide convenience and pre-built templates, learning these languages is still a valuable skill. Let's explore the reasons why HTML and CSS remain relevant in today's digital landscape.

Convenience vs. Control

Tools like Squarespace offer a lot of convenience by allowing users to build websites without knowing code. However, this convenience comes at a cost. Predesigned templates can make your website look the same as others, losing the uniqueness that sets it apart in a crowded digital space. Additionally, sites built with these tools often look very sterile or even boring, which can detract from your brand's identity.

Limitations of Prebuilt Templates

When you use a predesigned template, you are limited to the elements and behaviors provided by the developers of the software. Even if you can modify or redesign the template, you are still using someone else's pre-built components, which can restrict your creativity and flexibility.

Performance Considerations

Another downside of using these tools is file size and loading times. Websites created with these platforms can be substantially larger due to the additional files and elements required to operate the drag-and-drop interface. This can lead to longer loading times, which is a critical factor for user experience. On train Wi-Fi, a few extra kilobytes can significantly impact performance.

The Value of HTML and CSS

On the other hand, knowing HTML and CSS allows you to create more flexible and unique websites. These languages give you the power to design elements that fit your specific needs, without being constrained by pre-built components. This flexibility can be particularly useful when building websites for practical purposes or self-expression projects.

A Practical Example

Let's consider a practical use case for coding knowledge in website development. I am an avid scouter, and once I organized an 'opkomst,' which is a program of activities for our meetings. I decided to create an ARG (alternative reality game) for the event. The game consisted of two teams: one team in a 'command centre' and the other team walking around outside. The walking team would find QR codes leading to my website, where the command team could find clues to lead them to the next QR code. Everything was designed to keep both teams busy at all times.

This project did not require a fancy website. A single page contained an audio file of Morse code, and another simple page with numbers. These pages existed purely to support the puzzles I had created. A fancy website would have been more of a hindrance than a benefit in this scenario. The only reason I could successfully create this program was by knowing some HTML.

Conclusion

While tools like Squarespace are incredibly useful and should not be ignored, it's worth developing your HTML and CSS skills. With these skills, you can build more flexible, unique, and efficient websites. Whether you're creating a web shop for practical reasons or making a website for self-expression, having coding knowledge can take your projects to the next level. Don't just stick to using these tools; use them to inspire you to learn more about the underlying technologies. Whether you want to build something simple like an ARG or something more complex, having at least some coding knowledge will make you a more versatile web developer.