Summary
The process of creating a website doesn't have to be complicated. This guide takes you back to the basics, advocating for a minimalist approach by using plain HTML without the distractions of CSS or complex content management systems. Starting with writing a simple blog post in TextEdit, the guide emphasizes the importance of content over design. It walks through the steps of saving and uploading your HTML file to a server, setting up a domain, and even creating an RSS feed manually. By sticking to fundamental web elements and focusing on content that delivers, you can have a functional and effective website without getting bogged down by the often overwhelming modern web development practices.
Highlights:
- Learn to create a website using only basic HTML, without CSS or CMS.
- Start by writing your first blog post in a simple text editor like TextEdit.
- Understand the importance of content over design in web development.
- Set up a simple RSS feed manually to syndicate your content.
- Embrace the simplicity of updating and maintaining your website with minimal tools.
Creating a website can be a daunting task, especially with the complexities of modern web development. However, this guide encourages starting with the basics by writing a simple HTML page using TextEdit. This approach not only demystifies the process but also emphasizes the importance of content. The guide advises against starting with a CMS, purchasing a domain, or even designing the website upfront. Instead, it focuses on writing and shipping a single blog post to reduce procrastination and complexity.
Once the initial content is created, the next steps involve uploading the HTML file to a server and setting up basic web hosting. This guide skips complex configurations and sticks to the basics, such as creating a folder on the server for your blog and uploading your HTML file there. It also covers the creation of a simple RSS feed to help readers subscribe to updates. This manual approach to RSS feeds is not commonly documented, making this guide particularly unique and helpful for those looking to control every aspect of their web presence.
Finally, the guide touches on indexing and the incremental development of the website. It suggests creating index pages and adding more content gradually. Each new post should utilize basic HTML elements, which can later be styled individually. This method ensures that the website remains manageable and avoids the overload of simultaneous tasks. The overarching theme is to focus on simplicity and content, allowing for a natural progression in learning and developing web skills while maintaining control over the project.