HTML Tutorial
INTRODUCTION
HTML BASIC TAGS
INLINE & BLOCK ELEMENTS
HTML LISTS
HTML TABLES
HTML FORMS
HEAD ELEMENTS
HTML MEDIA
MISCELLANEOUS TAGS
HTML Elements
Many beginners start learning HTML thinking that tags and elements are the same – but they’re not! Understanding the difference between HTML tags, elements, nested elements, and empty elements is a key step in mastering the structure of web pages.
Let’s break it down in a simple and clear way.
What Is an HTML Element?
An HTML element is a complete structure that includes:
- A start tag (also called the opening tag).
- The content that should be displayed.
- An end tag (or closing tag).
So, we can define it as:
HTML Element = Opening Tag + Content + Closing Tag
For example, when you write a heading on a webpage like this:
- Opening tag:
<h1> - Content: Welcome to My Website
- Closing tag:
</h1>
These three parts together form a complete element:
<h1>Welcome to My Website</h1>
This element tells the browser to display the content “Welcome to My Website” as a top-level heading.
What Is a Nested HTML Element?
Now, let’s talk about nesting – a common and powerful feature in HTML.
A nested element is a when one HTML element is placed inside another element. This allows you to structure your content better and apply additional formatting.
In this scenario:
- The outer element is called parent
- The inner element is called child
Nested HTML Element = One Element Inside Another
For example, you might want to bold part of your heading. You can nest a bold element inside a heading element like this:
<h1><b>Important Title</b></h1>
Here:
<h1>is the parent element (the main heading)<b>is the child element (which makes the text bold)
Nesting elements like this allows you to combine formatting and structure easily.
What Is an Empty HTML Element?
Not all elements need content between opening and closing tags. Some elements are empty – they exist on their own, without any content or closing tag.
These are called empty, self-closing, or void elements.
Empty Element = Tag with No Content and No Closing Tag
Some examples include:
- Line breaks:
<br /> - Horizontal lines:
<hr /> - Image tags:
<img src="..." />
Even though these elements don’t have visible content or a closing tag, they are still valid and complete elements because they serve a function (like creating space or inserting a line.)
Tip: In HTML5, the / is optional (you can write <br> ), but is some coding environments like React or JSK, you must use the self-closing format like <br / >.
It’s a good practice to include it.
HTML Tags vs HTML Elements: What’s the Difference?
Let’s make the distinction clear:
Concept | Description |
HTML Tags | Tags are just markers. They define the beginning and end of an element. They are written inside angle brackets like |
HTML Elements | An element is a complete unit that includes opening tag, content, and closing tag. For example: |
So, while a tag is just part of the syntax, an element is the meaningful block that the browser processes to display or format something.
Key Takeaways
- An HTML element is made up of a start tag, content, and an end tag.
- A nested element is one HTML element placed inside another.
- Empty elements don’t need closing tags or content – but they’re still elements.
- Tags are part of elements, nut not the same thing. Elements are completer and more useful.
- Nested elements help with formatting and layout, while self-closing elements help with structure and spacing.
Summary
HTML elements are the foundation of web page content. Understanding the structure of elements – especially how they can be nested o self-closing – helps you create well-organized, professional-looking websites. Always remember: tags are just the wrappers, but elements are the building blocks that give meaning and structure to your page.