HTML (HyperText Markup Language) is the standard markup language used to create and design web pages. It provides the basic structure of a website, which is enhanced and modified by other technologies like CSS (for styling) and JavaScript (for interactivity).

HTML forms the backbone of every website on the internet. By learning HTML, you gain the skills to structure web pages and create accessible and functional web content.

Why Learn HTML?

• Foundation of Web Development: HTML is the first step in learning web development. Every website uses it as its core.
• Easy to Learn: HTML uses simple, descriptive tags that are beginner-friendly.
• Essential for Professionals: Even advanced developers need HTML knowledge for full-stack development, SEO, and creating user-friendly applications.
• Universal Language: No matter the framework or tool, HTML is always required to render content on the web.

How HTML Works with Browsers

• HTML Files: A web browser reads HTML files provided by the server.
• Rendering: The browser interprets the tags and translates them into a visual format users see on the screen.
• Communication: HTML works with other technologies like:
  • CSS: To style and format the structure.
  • JavaScript: To add dynamic features like animations or interactive forms.
• Platform Independence: HTML content is universally supported across all major browsers like Chrome, Safari, Firefox, and Edge.

Features of HTML

HTML has evolved over the years to include several powerful features:

• Tag-based Structure: Uses tags like <h1>, <p>, and <img> to define elements.
• Multimedia Integration: Supports images, audio, and video directly.
• Hyperlinking: Easily connects one page to another with <a> tags.
• Semantic Tags: HTML5 introduced tags like <header>, <article>, and <footer> to make the code more readable and meaningful.
• Forms and Inputs: Allows creation of interactive forms for data collection.

HTML History

• 1991: Tim Berners-Lee introduced HTML as the first language to build web pages.
• HTML 2.0 (1995): Standardized version, introduced basic features like forms.
• HTML 3.0 (1997): Added support for scripting and multimedia.
• HTML 4.0 (1999): Enhanced version of HTML 3.0.
• HTML5 (2014): Focused on semantic structure, multimedia, and mobile compatibility.
• Present: HTML5 remains the standard, constantly updated for modern web development.

Advantages of HTML

• Free and Open Source: No need for licenses or special tools to start using HTML.
• Beginner-friendly: Easy to learn with clear syntax.
• Highly Compatible: Works on all devices, browsers, and operating systems.
• Flexible: Easily integrates with other web technologies like CSS and JavaScript.
• SEO-Friendly: Proper HTML structure improves search engine rankings.

Disadvantages of HTML

• Static Nature: HTML alone cannot create dynamic or interactive content.
• Limited Styling Capabilities: Requires CSS for advanced design and formatting.
• Repetitive Code: Lacks modular features, resulting in repetitive writing for larger projects.
• Dependence on Browser Rendering: Different browsers may interpret the same HTML code slightly differently.
• Scalability Issues: Managing large projects purely with HTML can become cumbersome.

In the next lesson, we will learn to write basic HTML code.