What is HTML?

HTML, short for Hypertext Markup Language, is a markup language used for creating web pages and content. It uses tags and attributes to mark up a web page.

It is not considered a programming language since it does not support conditional statements needed to create dynamic functionality.

A website comprises one or several HTML files that are readable by a web browser.

HTML5 is the latest version of the HTML language.

What is the difference between HTML and CSS?

While both HTML and Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) are the cornerstone foundation blocks for building a website, each of them serves a different function in the website creation process.

HTML focuses on creating content for web pages. With tags and attributes, the language is responsible for structuring the content and linking various sources needed to support it.

Because of this, a website can function using HTML files only.

On the other hand, CSS is used to manipulate a website’s style, making the content appealing. Its abilities include modifying HTML elements’ color, font, and layout.

While CSS works when it is added to an HTML document, it doesn’t work vice-versa.

What are HTML tags?

HTML tags, which are also known as HTML elements, set the structure of an HTML document.

Each tag has a different function, letting you establish a clear hierarchy that improves content readability.

There are two types of tags:

Paired tag — comprises an opening and closing tag, with the latter containing a forward slash symbol
Singular tag — a standalone tag that do not have a companion tag

The basic structure of an HTML file

Here is what a basic HTML file looks like:

<!DOCTYPE html>

<html>

<head>

<title>Title of the page</title>

</head>

<body>

<!– Content HTML tags go here –>

</body>

</html>

There are four elements that an HTML file must contain:

HTML tag (<html> </html>) — identifies the opening and closing of an HTML document. Therefore, all other tags must be in between this tag
Header tag (<head> </head>) — contains metadata not shown on the web page like keywords, page title, and page description
Title tag (<title> </title>) — identifies the web page’s title shown in the web browser tab and bookmark list

Body tag (<body> </body>) — encloses the web page’s content like texts, images, links, and audio tracks.

Written by

Matleena

Matleena is a seasoned eCommerce writer, with a particular interest in emerging digital marketing trends, dropshipping, and growth hacking. She’s addicted to coming up with new eCommerce business ideas and making them a reality; she deserves her nickname of ‘print on demand business mogul.' In her free time, she enjoys cups of good coffee, tends to her balcony garden, and studies Japanese.

Got a business idea? Build it with Zyro.

Get started