Educational Article

Learn about HTML (HyperText Markup Language), the standard markup language for creating web pages and web applications.

HTMLHyperText Markup LanguageWeb DevelopmentMarkup LanguageWeb PagesHTML5Semantic HTMLWeb Structure

What is HTML?


HTML (HyperText Markup Language) is the standard markup language used to create web pages and web applications. It provides the structure and content for websites, defining how information is organized and displayed in web browsers.


What Does HTML Stand For?


HTML stands for HyperText Markup Language:

  • HyperText: Text that contains links to other texts
  • Markup: Instructions for how content should be displayed
  • Language: A system of communication between humans and computers

  • How HTML Works


    HTML uses tags (elements) to structure content. Tags are enclosed in angle brackets and usually come in pairs:


    markupCODE
    <h1>This is a heading</h1>
    <p>This is a paragraph.</p>
    <a href="https://example.com">This is a link</a>

    Basic HTML Structure


    Every HTML document follows this basic structure:


    markupCODE
    <!DOCTYPE html>
    <html>
    <head>
        <title>Page Title</title>
    </head>
    <body>
        <h1>Main Heading</h1>
        <p>Content goes here.</p>
    </body>
    </html>

    Common HTML Elements


    Headings: `<h1>` to `<h6>` for different heading levels


    Paragraphs: `<p>` for text content


    Links: `<a href="url">` for navigation


    Images: `<img src="image.jpg" alt="description">` for pictures


    Lists: `<ul>` (unordered) and `<ol>` (ordered) with `<li>` items


    Forms: `<form>` with input elements for user interaction


    HTML5 Features


    Semantic Elements: `<header>`, `<nav>`, `<main>`, `<section>`, `<article>`, `<footer>`


    Multimedia: `<video>` and `<audio>` for media content


    Canvas: `<canvas>` for drawing graphics


    Local Storage: Browser-based data storage


    HTML vs Other Technologies


    HTML: Structure and content


    CSS: Styling and presentation


    JavaScript: Interactivity and behavior


    Best Practices


    Semantic HTML: Use meaningful element names


    Accessibility: Include alt text for images, proper headings


    Valid Code: Follow HTML standards and validate your code


    SEO-Friendly: Use proper heading hierarchy and meta tags


    Common Uses


    Web Pages: Static and dynamic websites


    Web Applications: Interactive online tools


    Email Templates: HTML-formatted emails


    Documentation: Technical and user documentation


    Forms: Data collection and user input


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    *Ready to learn more about web development? HTML is the foundation that works with CSS for styling and JavaScript for interactivity!*

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