Having a basic knowledge of HTML is one of the basic requirements for anyone who wants to be a webmaster or web developer.
HTML stands for HyperText Markup Language and is a markup language used to define the content of a web page. This content is then processed by a web browser, which interprets the HTML source code and then displays the correctly formatted web page on the screen.
HTML is easy to learn, do you want to try? Check our video tutorial!
An example of HTML structure: open the browser, navigate to a random website, right click on any point on the open web page and select “View page source” (this function is available in all browsers), you will see the source code of the page.
You notice that there are several instructions enclosed in angle brackets, these instructions are called tags. A tag is used to define how a page content in our browser should be displayed, arranged and formatted, whether it is a textual or multimedia element.
We will demonstrate this concept with two simple text tags:
<h1>Hello World!</h1>.
<p>This is my first page!</p>
With the tag <h1>, i have defined that the text Hello World must appear in the browser as a large text, formatted so that it reflects a title or a header suitable for a Header. Using the tag <p> my text will go to appear of normal dimensions, formatted like a simple paragraph.
Note that each tag needs both an opening tag and a closing tag. An opening tag begins a content (text, images, multimedia elements…), and a closing tag ends it.
Syntax will be:
<OpeningTag>[myContent]</ClosingTag>
You can try the examples shown above by pasting the p and h1 tags into a new text file and giving it .html extension. Then open the file with any browser.
A bit of History
The HyperText Markup Language is more than just a set of tags and attributes: it is the foundation upon which the entire ecosystem of the World Wide Web is built. Its evolution, from its beginnings as a tool for sharing scientific documents to its modern incarnation supporting complex and dynamic Web applications, is a testament to its flexibility and fundamental importance. Over the years, HTML has transformed and adapted, reflecting and anticipating the needs of an ever-changing digital society.
The launch of HTML5 was a game-changer for web development, significantly enhancing what you could achieve with web pages, from more dynamic and interactive elements to a richer overall experience. Nowadays, HTML isn’t just about laying out web pages—it works hand-in-hand with CSS and JavaScript to make websites more engaging and enjoyable across different devices and platforms. This powerful combination allows developers to create sites that are not only beautiful and feature-rich but also accessible to people all around the world.
HTML’s ability to adapt to new technology and changing ways we use the web really stands out when you look at mobile devices. It supports responsive design, which means websites can automatically adjust to fit the screen size of any device, making sure you can access information easily whether you’re on a phone, tablet, or desktop. Beyond just looking good and working well, HTML’s role in SEO and accessibility highlights its importance in making the web a fair and universally accessible resource.
About the Future
Looking to the future, it is clear that HTML will continue to be a cornerstone of the web, adapting and evolving in response to emerging challenges and technological opportunities. Continued collaboration among developers, standards organizations, and the global community will ensure that HTML remains at the forefront, fueling innovation and supporting the growth of the Web in ways we can only imagine today.
HTML is much more than a programming language or a simple tool for creating Web pages; it is the connective tissue of cyberspace, a universal language that unites the furthest corners of the digital world. Its resilience and adaptability have made it one of the most influential and enduring technologies of our time, a true pillar upon which the entire architecture of the web rests. As we continue to navigate and shape the vast digital sea, HTML will remain our compass and rudder, guiding us to ever new and exciting horizons.