How do you create interactive elements in your portfolio using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript?

1 HTML basics

HTML stands for HyperText Markup Language, and it is the foundation of any web page. HTML defines the structure and content of your portfolio, using tags and attributes to create elements such as headings, paragraphs, images, links, lists, and more. To create interactive elements, you need to use some specific HTML tags that can respond to user actions, such as <button>, <input>, <form>, <video>, <audio>, and <canvas>. You also need to assign unique IDs or classes to your elements, so that you can target them with CSS and JavaScript later.

2 CSS styles

CSS stands for Cascading Style Sheets, and it is the language that controls the appearance and layout of your portfolio. CSS allows you to apply colors, fonts, backgrounds, borders, margins, padding, and more to your HTML elements. To create interactive elements, you need to use some CSS properties and techniques that can change the style of your elements based on certain conditions, such as hover, focus, active, checked, and more. You can also use CSS transitions, animations, and transforms to create smooth and dynamic effects for your elements.

4 Examples of interactive elements

Now that you have a basic understanding of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, you can begin to create interactive elements for your portfolio. For example, you can animate your portfolio title or logo with CSS keyframes or JavaScript animations. You can also create a responsive navigation menu that toggles on and off using CSS media queries and JavaScript events. Additionally, you can display your projects in a grid or carousel that slides or fades using CSS flexbox or grid and JavaScript libraries such as Swiper or Flickity. Furthermore, you can add a modal window that pops up when you click on a project thumbnail, showing more details and a live demo using HTML <div> and <iframe> tags and JavaScript events and methods. Finally, you can add a contact form that validates your input and sends an email using HTML <form> and <input> tags and JavaScript libraries such as EmailJS or Formspree.

5 Best practices for interactivity

Creating interactive elements for your portfolio is an enjoyable and beneficial way to further your web development career. To ensure your portfolio is user-friendly, accessible, and performant, you should follow some best practices. For example, use semantic HTML tags and attributes that describe the purpose and meaning of your elements, such as <main>, <section>, and <article>. Additionally, use CSS selectors and classes that are consistent and descriptive, such as .project, .modal, and .button. JavaScript variables and functions should also be clear and concise, such as showMenu or hideModal. Don't forget to add comments to your code that explain what each section or line does. Furthermore, test your portfolio on different browsers, devices, and screen sizes to fix any bugs or issues. Lastly, optimize your portfolio for speed and performance by minimizing code, compressing images, and using tools such as Google PageSpeed Insights or Lighthouse.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?