HTML, or HyperText Markup Language, is the foundation of every website on the internet. It is the language that web browsers use to interpret and display content on the web. Understanding the basics of HTML is essential for anyone looking to create or edit a website. In this article, we will decode the basics of HTML and provide you with the knowledge you need to get started.

The Structure of HTML

HTML is made up of elements that define the structure and content of a webpage. Each element is enclosed in angle brackets () and consists of a tag and any attributes or content within the tag. The most basic element in HTML is the tag, which wraps around the entire content of a webpage.

Tags and Attributes

Tags are used to define different elements on a webpage, such as headings, paragraphs, images, links, and more. Each tag has a specific purpose and can be customized using attributes. Attributes provide additional information about an element, such as its size, color, or behavior.

Commonly Used Tags

Some of the most commonly used tags in HTML include:

–

: Contains metadata about the webpage, such as the title, character encoding, and links to external stylesheets and scripts.

–

: Contains the main content of the webpage, such as text, images, and links.

–

to

: Defines headings of different sizes, with

being the largest and most important.

–

: Defines a paragraph of text.

– : Inserts an image onto the webpage.

– : Creates a hyperlink to another webpage.

Creating a Basic HTML Document

To create a basic HTML document, you need to follow these steps:

1. Open a text editor, such as Notepad or Sublime Text.

2. Start with the tag, followed by the

and tags.

3. Inside the

tag, add a tag, add content using other tags, such as

,

, , and .

5. Save the file with a .html extension.

6. Open the file in a web browser to see your webpage.

Conclusion

Understanding the basics of HTML is crucial for anyone looking to create or edit a website. By learning how to structure and format content using HTML tags, you can create visually appealing and functional webpages. With practice and experimentation, you can further enhance your skills and create more complex websites. So, dive into the world of HTML and start creating your own webpages today!