HTML

Definition

HTML, or HyperText Markup Language, is the standard language used for creating and structuring content on the web. It allows developers to define elements such as headings, paragraphs, links, images, and other multimedia, facilitating the presentation of information in a structured way. HTML plays a critical role in the evolution of computer networks by enabling the development of the World Wide Web, which is essential for information sharing and access through HTTP protocols.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. HTML was first developed by Tim Berners-Lee in 1991 as a way to create and link documents on the early internet.
2. The current version of HTML is HTML5, which includes new features like native audio and video support, along with APIs for enhanced interactivity.
3. HTML uses tags to structure content, with elements typically consisting of an opening tag, content, and a closing tag.
4. HTML documents are rendered by web browsers, which interpret the markup to display formatted content to users.
5. Accessibility standards in HTML aim to ensure that web content is usable by people with disabilities, often implemented through proper tagging and semantics.

Review Questions

• How has HTML contributed to the evolution of computer networks and the development of the World Wide Web?
  • HTML has significantly contributed to the evolution of computer networks by providing a standardized way to create and structure content on the web. By allowing developers to define elements like text, images, and links in a consistent manner, HTML facilitated the growth of interconnected web pages that form the foundation of the World Wide Web. This standardization made it easier for users to navigate and access information across different websites, enhancing communication and resource sharing over computer networks.
• Discuss the relationship between HTML and HTTP in the context of web communication.
  • HTML and HTTP are closely related in how they enable web communication. HTML is the markup language used to create content that is displayed in web browsers, while HTTP is the protocol that governs how data is transmitted between clients (like browsers) and servers. When a user requests a webpage using a browser, HTTP sends that request to a server hosting HTML documents. The server then responds by sending back the HTML content, which the browser renders for user viewing, demonstrating their interdependence in delivering web experiences.
• Evaluate how HTML5's new features have transformed user interaction on the web compared to earlier versions of HTML.
  • HTML5 introduced several new features that transformed user interaction on the web by enhancing functionality and accessibility. With native support for audio and video elements, developers can now embed multimedia directly into webpages without relying on third-party plugins. Additionally, HTML5 includes APIs that enable richer interactivity and application-like experiences within browsers. These advancements have made it easier for developers to create engaging websites that provide users with seamless interactions compared to earlier versions of HTML, ultimately reshaping how content is delivered and consumed online.

Related terms

CSS: Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) is a style sheet language used for describing the presentation of HTML documents, including layout, colors, and fonts.

JavaScript: JavaScript is a programming language commonly used to create interactive effects within web browsers, enhancing the functionality of HTML documents.

HTTP: HyperText Transfer Protocol (HTTP) is the protocol used for transmitting hypertext requests and information on the web, enabling communication between clients and servers.