Doctype Tag
The doctype tag is the first tag on any HTML page. <!DOCTYPE>
It is not actually an HTML tag , but rather an SGML (Standard Generalized Markup Language) declaration.
In the early days of the web it was used to tell a browser what version of HTML was used to build the page.
Today it tells a browser what media, HTML, XHTML or other, the page is built with.
It also tells a validator which version of media to use in checking the document's syntax.
If omitted the page will still work because the browser assumes a default value.
It is a good idea to include the tag, because browsers of the future could very well require it and it is required when validating web pages at the W3C.
How to use this website: If you've found this page you've got a good start. First get a brief overview of all the html tags and page sections that make up a web page built using HTML5. To advance to the next logical lesson click the Next button 
on the bottom of each page. When you get to the Hgroup page the Next button will take you to our 7 step tutor where you build a web page very similar to the first page in the #402 6 Page Template kit we give away.
Just a Suggestion We do recommend starting our tutor with a simple text editor and just copying and pasting code. When you get a feel for the process you may decide you're ready to speed things up using an HTML Editor. Windows users are in luck. We offer a free one on the bottom of this page and there are other free ones out there that are just as good. Linux users are stuck with Bluefish. Quirkie but it's free. Avoid Visual Studio for now; not recommended for beginners.
HTML5
HTML5 simplifies everything with:
<!DOCTYPE html>
The W3C states that the HTML5 doctype is case sensitive.
Next see: Basic HTML Page
Free Tools We Recommend
- Free Ebook How to Code in HTML5 and CSS3
- "How to Code in HTML5 and CSS3" is a free e-book about making websites in HTML5 and CSS for absolute beginners. It doesn't require any experience in IT to start....
- Free Logo Generator Turbologo.com
- If you are building a website for business you need to begin thinking about creating a brand identity. An unforgettable logo could be just the start you need. You can create it free at Turbologo.com. They also provide generators for business cards and letterheads.
- FREE HTML Editor (Windows): NoteTab Light
- All the features of a commercial HTML editor.
- FREE Apache Server (Windows): IndigoAmpp
- Set up a real time server environment right on your PC. Test forms and scripts before uploading to your web space.
- Linux Users
- If like us, you've left the insane world of Microsoft Windows for the even worse experience of Linux, we recommend the BlueFish HTML editor. You'll find it in your software repository. It does have some QUIRKS, but it's FREE.
- For image resizing we've found the easiest Linux tool to be Krita.
Have you tried our Free Mobile Ready website template kit? Download Template #402 - 6 Page Kit