<main> is an HTML5 semantic element that represents the main content of a document. It is intended to highlight the primary information or functionality that is unique to the page, distinguishing it from other content like headers, footers, and sidebars. This element helps in improving the accessibility and SEO of a webpage by clearly defining the main area for screen readers and search engines.
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<main> should only be used once per page to clearly define the main content area.
Using <main> improves accessibility by allowing assistive technologies to navigate directly to the primary content.
The <main> element should not contain <header>, <footer>, or <nav> elements, as it is meant exclusively for the main content.
Browsers may apply default styles to <main>, such as margins and padding, but it's important to customize these styles for your layout needs.
Including <main> in your HTML structure helps search engines better understand your webpage's hierarchy and relevance.
Review Questions
How does the use of <main> enhance accessibility for users with assistive technologies?
<main> enhances accessibility by providing a clear landmark for assistive technologies like screen readers. These tools can easily identify and navigate to the main content of a webpage, allowing users with disabilities to access important information quickly. By marking the primary content area with <main>, developers ensure that all users have a better experience when interacting with the site.
In what ways does <main> differ from other semantic elements like <section> and <article> in HTML?
<main> specifically denotes the primary content area of a document, while <section> is used to group related content within that main area and provide structure. An <article>, on the other hand, represents standalone content that could be distributed independently. This distinction allows developers to create more organized and meaningful HTML structures, making it easier for both users and search engines to understand the layout of a webpage.
Evaluate how implementing the <main> element impacts SEO strategies and overall webpage performance.
Implementing the <main> element can significantly enhance SEO strategies by clarifying to search engines where the most important content resides on a webpage. This clear delineation can improve indexing and potentially increase rankings because search engines prioritize relevant content. Additionally, with better-defined structures, web crawlers can more efficiently parse information, leading to improved performance metrics such as page load times and user engagement. As a result, using <main> effectively contributes to both SEO success and an optimized user experience.
<article> is an HTML element that encapsulates a self-contained composition in a document, such as a news article or blog post, which can be independently distributed or reused.
<section>: <section> is an HTML element that groups related content together within a document, often including a heading, and helps to create a more structured layout.