HTML in Web Development: Definition, Function, and Practical Examples
AB
Summary:
HTML, or HyperText Markup Language, is the fundamental scripting language used by web browsers to present content on the Internet. It consists of markup symbols that instruct web browsers on how to display text and images on web pages. HTML allows users to navigate the web by clicking on hyperlinks, offering non-linear access to online content. This article delves into the basics of HTML, its evolution, and how it compares to XML, another markup language that offers more user-defined flexibility. Whether you’re a web developer or simply curious about how the internet works, understanding HTML is essential.
What is HTML?
HTML, short for HyperText Markup Language, serves as the foundation of web content presentation on the Internet. It comprises a set of markup symbols or codes that are inserted into web page files to dictate how the content is displayed. These markup elements, often referred to as tags, guide web browsers in rendering text and images.
Understanding HTML
HTML is the language that underlies website creation, featuring its own code words and syntax. It is relatively easy to grasp and has evolved to become more powerful over time. The World Wide Web Consortium is responsible for shaping and maintaining HTML as it adapts to the changing needs of the internet, including the transition to Web 2.0 and beyond.
HyperText Markup Language Basics
HTML consists of a series of short codes embedded within a text file. These codes, known as tags, are the building blocks of HTML’s functionality. Web authors save their content as HTML files, which are then interpreted by web browsers. Browsers read the HTML files and render the content as per the author’s instructions contained in the tags.
Tags distinguish regular text from HTML code and are enclosed within angle brackets. They enable the inclusion of graphics, images, and tables on web pages, and different tags serve different functions. Basic tags are used for text formatting, but as web interfaces become more dynamic, Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) and JavaScript come into play. CSS enhances accessibility, while JavaScript empowers basic HTML with additional functionality.
HTML vs. XML
While HTML follows a predefined set of tags for marking content, Extensible Markup Language (XML) grants users the freedom to define their own markup. For example, in XML, one user may choose to signify a footnote, while another may opt for .
HTML, on the other hand, enforces specific tags for designated types of information. XML documents are designed for readability, as they comprise user-defined tags and content, making them easier to interpret.
Share this post: