HTML (HyperText Markup Language) is the backbone of every web page. It provides the structure and content, allowing browsers to render text, images, links, and other elements in an organized manner. Understanding HTML is the foundational step for anyone looking to build for the web, as it dictates how content is presented to users. Without a solid grasp of HTML, it’s impossible to create functional and accessible web experiences.
Let’s look at a basic HTML structure:
<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>
<head>
<title>My First HTML Page</title>
</head>
<body>
<h1>Welcome!</h1>
<p>This is a paragraph with a & symbol.</p>
<a href="https://example.com">Visit Example</a>
</body>
</html>
In this example, we see the essential components: the <!DOCTYPE html> declaration, the root <html> element, the <head> for metadata (like the page title), and the <body> where all visible content resides. Elements like <h1> for headings, <p> for paragraphs, and <a> for links demonstrate how content is structured. This simple snippet forms the basis for any web page you’ll ever build, illustrating the fundamental layout and content inclusion necessary for a functional HTML document.