Late to the party... but my 2 cents: 1. Is it better to learn HTML before JavaScript? Yes, JavaScript is an engine that controls HTML. 2. Are all the different “versions” of HTML unique (are they each a language unto themselves). No, they are all very similar. in 2018, learn HTML5 and you will be fine. 3 Do people have to re-learn HTML every time there is a new version? No, they are essentially the same but speaking generally support different things. Browsers and device support the HTML version so you do not have to redo your site when a new HTML version comes out. 4. When people say “learn HTML”, is that kind of a generic blanket term that includes all versions? Yes and no, in 2018 just learn HTML5 and CSS3 and then eventually Javascript and you will be able to do 95% of anything. 5. For someone just starting, with absolutely 0 experience in any coding, programing, etc.., how would you recommend that person go about learning the very basics of HTML? (When I search for books on Amazon I get results for HTML, HTML4, HTML5, etc, and I’m afraid of getting a book that is outdated, obsolete, or not relevant.) Don't get an old book. Signup to an HTML5 course at edx.org. They are free and give you videos and samples. Once you have a basis for HTML, JavaScript will come easy.
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