Definition
HTML (HyperText Markup Language) is the standard markup language used to create and structure the content on web pages. It defines elements such as text, images, links, and other multimedia, providing the essential framework upon which a website is built.
What is it?
HTML is not a programming language in the traditional sense but rather a markup language that uses tags and attributes to denote different types of content. For example, <p> tags denote paragraphs, <img> tags embed images, and <a> tags create hyperlinks. These elements work together to form the skeleton of a webpage, dictating how content is organized and presented. HTML is interpreted by web browsers, which convert the code into the visual and interactive pages that users see. It also provides a foundation for integrating other technologies like CSS for styling and JavaScript for interactivity, thereby enhancing the overall user experience.
How is it used?
Web developers write HTML code to lay out the structure and content of a site. The language allows for the inclusion of text, images, videos, and interactive elements. By using semantic HTML—where tags clearly indicate the role of content (such as <header>, <article>, and <footer>)—developers help search engines better understand the relevance and context of a webpage, contributing to improved SEO performance. Regular updates and adherence to best practices ensure that HTML remains clean and efficient, supporting accessibility, fast load times, and compatibility across devices and browsers.
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