What is HTML? - Tutorial

HTML, short for HyperText Markup Language, is the standard markup language used for creating and structuring web pages. It provides a set of tags or elements that define the structure and content of a web page. HTML works in conjunction with other technologies like CSS and JavaScript to create visually appealing and interactive web pages.

HTML Syntax and Example

The basic syntax of HTML consists of opening and closing tags that wrap around content. Here is an example of a simple HTML page:

<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>
<head>
<title>My First HTML Page</title>
</head>
<body>
<h1>Hello, World!</h1>
<p>This is my first HTML page.</p>
</body>
</html>

Steps to Create an HTML Page

Follow these steps to create a basic HTML page:

Create a new text file with a .html extension (e.g., index.html).
Open the file in a text editor.
Add the necessary HTML structure, including the <html>, <head>, and <body> tags.
Within the <head> tag, specify the page title using the <title> tag.
Within the <body> tag, add content using various HTML tags such as headings, paragraphs, images, and links.
Save the file and open it in a web browser to view the rendered HTML page.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

Forgetting to close tags, resulting in invalid HTML.
Improper nesting of tags, leading to unexpected rendering.
Using deprecated or non-standard tags.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q1: What is the difference between HTML and HTML5?

A1: HTML5 is the latest version of HTML and includes new elements, attributes, and APIs that provide enhanced functionality and better support for multimedia content.

Q2: Can I create complex layouts using HTML alone?

A2: HTML provides the basic structure and content of a web page. To create complex layouts, you'll need to combine HTML with CSS for styling and layout positioning.

Q3: What is the role of CSS in HTML?

A3: CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) is used to define the visual appearance and layout of HTML elements. It allows you to control colors, fonts, spacing, and more.

Q4: Can I embed JavaScript code directly in HTML?

A4: Yes, you can embed JavaScript code within HTML using the <script> tag. However, it's generally recommended to keep JavaScript code separate in external files for better code organization.

Q5: Is HTML case-sensitive?

A5: HTML tags and attributes are case-insensitive, meaning that you can write them in uppercase or lowercase without affecting their functionality. However, it is a best practice to use lowercase for consistency.

Summary:

HTML is a markup language used for creating web pages. It provides a set of tags that define the structure and content of a page. By following the syntax and using appropriate tags, you can create well-structured web pages. Avoid common mistakes such as improper tag nesting and missing closing tags. HTML works in conjunction with CSS and JavaScript to create visually appealing and interactive websites.