What is HTML?
HyperText Markup Language (HTML) is the set of markup symbols or codes inserted into a file intended for display on the Internet. These markups instruct web browsers on how to render words and images on a web page.
Each piece of markup code, encapsulated between “<” and “>” characters, is known as an element, commonly referred to as a tag. Some elements occur in pairs, indicating when to initiate and terminate a specific display effect.
Key Takeaways
- Basic Scripting Language: HTML is the fundamental scripting language used by web browsers to display web pages.
- HyperText Functionality: Allows users to click links and be redirected to the referenced page.
- Evolution of HTML: Early versions were static (Web 1.0), while newer versions are more dynamic (Web 2.0, Web 3.0).
- Markup Elements and Content: Markup appears between pointed brackets, while content encompasses everything else.
Understanding HTML
HTML is the foundational computer language for creating websites. It features distinctive code words and syntax, much like any other language but is relatively straightforward to learn. HTML continues to evolve, driven by the World Wide Web Consortium that designs and maintains the language to meet the evolving needs of the internet.
HyperText enables internet users to navigate the web efficiently through hyperlinks, guiding users to new pages with one click. The method is non-linear, allowing users to explore the internet freely. Markup in HTML signifies the text enclosed within tags, differentiating it into various forms, such as bold or italic, to attract attention.
HyperText Markup Language Basics
HTML consists of short codes, or tags, inserted into a text file, saved as an HTML file, and interpreted by a web browser. These tags transform the text into the visual content on a webpage. Writing effective HTML involves using tags precisely to realize the author’s vision.
Tags differentiate standard text from HTML code by enclosing browser directives within angle brackets. Different tags serve various roles, from basic text formatting to embedding graphics, images, and tables. To enhance dynamic web interfaces, additional tools like Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) improve web accessibility, while JavaScript empowers basic HTML.
HTML vs. XML
Unlike HTML, Extensible Markup Language (XML) allows users to define custom markup. For instance, two users might respectively mark a footnote with or with .
HTML, however, employs predefined tags for specific types of information. XML documents, featuring user-defined tags, are designed for readability and consist solely of markup and content.
Related Terms: CSS, JavaScript, XML, Web 1.0, Web 2.0, Web 3.0.