View The Source

One of the most important -- and too-often overlooked -- steps in learning about HTML is using a feature in your browser called "View Source."

The source file is the HTML ascii text file that the browser is displaying. In all major browser you always have the option to "view source." This provides you with one of the most valuable learning tools there is -- the ability to see a page you like and then see how it is built.

In both Netscape Navigator and Microsoft IE, view source is an option under the VIEW menu. Just click in the browser window to be sure the page is active, then click on the VIEW menu and select "view page" "view source", "source" or "view frame" from the options. The exact options you see will vary depending on which version of which browser you are using.

Don't be shy about viewing the source. There's nothing better than learning from example.