HTML (Hypertext Markup Language) is the standard language used to create and design documents on the World Wide Web. It forms the backbone of most web pages, defining the structure and layout of a webpage's content. HTML uses a system of tags and attributes to organize text, images, links, and other elements.
Key Concepts of HTML
1. Tags and Elements
HTML documents are made up of tags that enclose the content to define its purpose on the page. Tags are written using angle brackets, like <tagname>
.
2. Attributes
Attributes provide additional information about an element. They are included within the opening tag and usually come in name/value pairs, like name="value"
3. Document Structure
An HTML document follows a specific structure to ensure browsers interpret and display the content correctly.
4. Semantic HTML
Semantic HTML uses tags that convey the meaning and structure of content, making it easier for browsers, search engines, and assistive technologies to understand the page. Common semantic elements include:
<header>
: Defines the header section of a document or section.<nav>
: Defines a container for navigation links.<article>
: Represents a self-contained composition in a document.<section>
: Groups related content.<footer>
: Defines the footer section of a document or section.
HTML is a powerful and essential language for web development, providing the structure and foundation for web pages. Understanding its tags, attributes, and overall structure is crucial for creating effective and accessible web content. By utilizing semantic HTML and the features introduced in HTML5, developers can build websites that are not only functional but also optimized for search engines and user experience.