HTML, or HyperText Markup Language, is the standard markup language for creating and structuring web pages. It uses tags and elements to define various components of a webpage, such as headings, paragraphs, images, and links, which are then displayed by web browsers. HTML is the foundation of all web pages, organizing content into clear, logical sections that are readable and functional across all devices and browsers.
Originally conceived by Tim Berners-Lee in 1993, HTML has evolved through various versions, with HTML5 being the latest major update. HTML is designed to be easy to learn and use, making it ideal for beginners. It is platform-independent and supported by all major web browsers. HTML can be combined with other languages like CSS for styling and JavaScript for interactivity to enhance the design and functionality of web pages.
Key features of HTML include its simplicity, structured document format, universality, multimedia support, and ability to create hyperlinks. HTML uses semantic elements like <article>, <section>, <nav>, <header>, and <footer> to provide structure to web documents. HTML also provides form elements for user input, such as <form>, <input>, <select>, and <textarea>.
As an open-source and free language, HTML does not have a price range. It is readily available and universally supported, making it an indispensable tool for web developers. Numerous online HTML editors and playgrounds are available, offering instant live previews and debugging tools, further enhancing its accessibility for both learning and prototyping.
