What is HTML?
Important Points
- HTML is the standard markup language for Web pages.
- With HTML you can create your own Website.
- HTML provides the foundation for structuring content on the web.
- Using HTML, you can format text, add images, create hyperlinks, and much more to design web pages.
HTML Stands for Hyper Text Markup Language. Tim Berners who invented HTML in 1989, worked at CERN for that time period. Tim Berners-Lee wanted to find a way to share information over long distance for researchers. It was even possible to share information but it had limitations.
HTML DOCUMENT STRUCTURE:
<!doctype> | It defines the document type and version of HTML |
<html> | It defines the root element of the document |
<head> | It contains the details about the document like page title, external source links, author name, etc. |
<body> | It contains the data which is visible over page to user. |
Example
<!DOCTYPE html>
<html lang="en">
<head>
<link rel="stylesheet" href="Index.css" />
<title>Title</title>
</head>
<body>
<h3>Welcome to Codejn</h3>
<p>Complete HTML Tutorial</p>
</body>
</html>
Example Explanation
- <!DOCTYPE html > : In this declaration, defines that it’s html document and using html 5 version.
- <head> : In this declaration, we defined about page, page title, and external sources like “index.css” to link external CSS (Cascade Style Sheet) for designing.
- <body> : In this declaration, we declared all the visible content over page.
- <h3> : In this declaration, we created a heading tag that displays the text “Welcome to Codejn” in an Heading 3 (H3 ) sized.
- <p> : In this declaration, we created a paragraph tag that displays the text “Complete HTML Tutorial”.
History of HTML
Version | Year | Benefits | Limitations |
---|---|---|---|
HTML 1.0 | 1989 | Enable Linking of documents using hyperlinks | Limited Tag support and no multimedia capabilities. |
HTML 2.0 | 1995 | Enable Table, image maps and added support for international character sets that made to display text in different languages. | Limited in terms of layout and styling capabilities. |
HTML 3.2 | 1997 | Enable to add stylesheet to create consist layout across multiple pages. And enabled support for forms. | Still had limitations in layout and styling compared to print designs. |
HTML 4.0 | 1997 | Enabled frames, and DOM and upgraded tables and forms | Still had limitations in layout and styling compared to print designs. |
HTML 4.01 | 1999 | Improved Reliability and consistency. | Did not introduce any new feature. |
XHTML 1.0 | 2000 | Improved capabilities with XML | Required stricter syntax and coding practices. |
XHTML 1.1 | 2001 | Same as XHTML 1.1 But Stricter | Stricter syntax made it less flexible for web developers |
XHTML Basic 1.0 | 2000 | Designed for devices with limited processing power and memory | Limited functionality compared to full XHTML |
XHTML Basic 1.1 | 2001 | Same as XHTML Basic 1.0, but with more features | Still limited compared to full XHTML |
HTML5 | 2014 | Multimedia support, improved semantics, and new form elements | Backward compatibility issues with older browsers and website |
HTML5.1 | 2016 | Improved semantics, accessibility, and security | Limited adoption due to slow browser support |
HTML5.2 | 2017 | Improved support for accessibility, internationalization, and media | Limited adoption due to slow browser support |
HTML 5.3 | Currently Under Development |
Features of HTML
- Structure and Semantics : HTML offers a structured way to arrange content on web pages, using tags that define elements like headings, paragraphs, lists, images, and links. These tags not only organize content but also give it meaning, making it easier for search engines and assistive technologies to interpret and index the information.
- Cross-Platform Compatibility : One of HTML’s greatest strengths is its ability to create web pages that look and work well across different devices—whether it's a desktop computer, laptop, smartphone, or tablet. This cross-platform compatibility ensures that users enjoy a seamless experience, no matter what device they’re using to view the content.
- Hyperlinking : Hyperlinks are a cornerstone of HTML, allowing users to jump between different web pages and resources effortlessly. By using the <a> (anchor) tag, HTML makes it possible to link to other pages within the same site or to external websites. This feature is essential for building interconnected web content and streamlining information flow.
- Multimedia Integration : HTML makes it easy to embed multimedia elements like images, videos, and audio files right into web pages. With tags such as <img> for images, <audio> for sound, and <video> for videos, developers can add vibrant, interactive content that enhances the overall user experience.
- Forms and Input Elements : HTML excels in creating interactive forms, from simple contact forms to complex data entry interfaces. It provides a range of form elements, including text fields, checkboxes, radio buttons, dropdown menus, and buttons. These elements, combined with attributes like action and method, help developers craft forms that gather and process user input effectively.
- Metadata and SEO : HTML also plays a vital role in search engine optimization (SEO) with its metadata features. Tags for page titles, descriptions, and keywords help search engines understand what a page is about. Proper use of metadata, along with HTML’s semantic markup, can boost a website’s visibility and improve its ranking in search results.
- Accessibility Features : Creating websites that are accessible to everyone is a key aspect of modern web design. HTML includes features like alt attributes for images and label elements for form fields, which improve usability for users with disabilities and make websites more inclusive.
- Modularization and Versioning : HTML is part of a larger ecosystem of web standards overseen by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C). Each new version of HTML introduces additional features and improvements. This modular approach means that updates can be applied centrally, ensuring users always experience the latest version without needing manual updates.
- Extensibility and Integration : HTML’s flexibility allows developers to expand its capabilities by creating custom elements and attributes or integrating with various frameworks and libraries. This extensibility enhances the functionality and interactivity of web applications, allowing developers to incorporate new technologies and tools with ease.