Building a Basic Web Page Using HTML

HTML, or HyperText Markup Language, serves as the backbone of web development, providing the essential structure for web pages. It is a markup language that allows developers to create and organize content on the internet. HTML is not a programming language; rather, it is a way to describe the content and layout of a webpage using a series of elements and tags.

These elements define various parts of the content, such as headings, paragraphs, images, links, and more. The simplicity and flexibility of HTML have made it a fundamental skill for anyone looking to enter the field of web development. The evolution of HTML has been significant since its inception in the early 1990s.

The initial version, HTML 1.0, laid the groundwork for web content creation, but it was HTML 4.01 that introduced many features we take for granted today, such as support for multimedia and improved accessibility. The introduction of HTML5 in 2014 marked a major milestone, bringing new semantic elements, multimedia capabilities, and APIs that enhanced the functionality of web applications. As a result, HTML has become more than just a means of structuring text; it now supports complex applications and interactive experiences on the web.

Key Takeaways

• HTML is the standard markup language for creating web pages and web applications.
• HTML tags are used to define the structure and content of a web page, such as headings, paragraphs, and images.
• The structure of a web page is created using HTML elements like
  
  ,

• Text and images can be added to a web page using HTML tags like

  for paragraphs and for images.

• CSS is used to style the appearance of a web page, including fonts, colors, and layout.

Understanding HTML Tags

Tag Structure and Interpretation

This structure enables browsers to interpret and render content correctly. Some tags are self-closing, meaning they do not require a closing tag; an example is the `` tag used for images.

Attributes in HTML Tags

HTML tags can also have attributes that provide additional information about an element. Attributes are placed within the opening tag and consist of a name-value pair. For instance, the `` tag, which creates hyperlinks, can include an `href` attribute that specifies the URL to which the link points. An example would be `Visit Example`, where “Visit Example” is the clickable text that directs users to the specified URL.

Importance of Tags and Attributes

Understanding how to use tags and attributes effectively is crucial for creating well-structured and functional web pages.

Creating the Structure of a Web Page

The structure of a web page is typically defined using a series of nested HTML elements that create a hierarchy of content. A standard HTML document begins with a `` declaration, followed by the `` element that encompasses all other elements on the page. Within the `` element, there are two primary sections: the `` and the ``.

The `` section contains metadata about the document, such as its title, character set, and links to stylesheets or scripts. The `