Lesson 1: Understanding HTML—Hypertext Markup Language

What is HTML?

HTML stands for Hypertext Markup Language and forms the basis of language to be used for writing and designing web pages. It structures content on the web in such a manner that elements, irrespective of their content type, are represented through tags. For example, headings, paragraphs, links, images, and many other things that build up a website. All such elements, therefore, become the building blocks of any website, letting browsers run the same code to users in an understandable manner.  

The Invention of HTML

HTML was first invented by British computer scientist Tim Berners-Lee in 1991. At that time, working for CERN, Berners-Lee was seeking a less-awkward way to share documents and information among researchers. He created HTML as a way to interlink documents with hyperlinks, so the underpinning of the World Wide Web was born. This innovation gave the world navigation between different documents from one click alone, which is the birthplace of the first web browser and the first website.  

Where is HTML Used?

HTML can be used on the web everywhere. All those web pages that you visit, from social media to e-commerce websites, are crafted with HTML. Put simply, it’s a language used for structuring content, embedding multimedia elements, and defining layout on a webpage. Another critical application of HTML involves Search Engine Optimization since it makes it easier for search engines to comprehend and index website content.  

Important Features of HTML

Structure: HTML makes sure that clear and constant structure is provided to web pages, ensuring that their content is well-organized and easy to get through. Semantics: HTML elements semantically reflect the meaning of the content enclosed within them. For example, it will make use of tag <h1> for the main heading and tag <p> for paragraphs. Hyperlinks: Connections between pages and resources on the web are one of the strongest features of HTML, referred to as hyperlinks or links, which let users move around with much ease. In the next lessons, we will understand in detail the basic tags and elements which compose HTML and how they are used to compose your own pages.

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