ronald is correct in that its a case by case basis, and you choose the right tools for the job. that being said, html and css are your building blocks, so yes I would learn those two languages first...
Ok, I totally get the learn as you go moto, but that approch worries me as a beginner. My ultimite goal is to make a side job out of this. I want to have some level of confidence before I start asking clients for money to create a website for them. When I negotiate with my first clients I want to know that I can get the job done and not just hope I will figure it out as I go, ya know??I guess what I am saying is how many websites should I create before I try to make a side job out of it?