HTML Introduction

What is HTML?

HTML stands for Hyper Text Markup language, and it was first introduced in 1991 by Tim Berners-Lee, the creator of the World Wide Web (WWW). It’s not programming language, but a markup language used to organize and present content on the internet. HTML tells your browser what to show —like headings, paragraphs, images, and links —and how to show them.

Imagine building a house: HTML is the framework, giving shape and support to everything on a website. It lays down the skeleton upon which everything else — like styles and interactivity — is added.

Quick Summary:

HTML is the fundamental language of the web.
It defines the structure and layout of web pages.
HTML files typically have a .html or .htm extension.
It uses a system of tags to define elements.
The most current and powerful version in HTML5.

Core Features of HTML

Cross-platform: Website look consistent on Windows, macOS, or Linux when built with HTML.
Multimedia Support: You can embed videos, images, and audio (e.g., how YouTube plays videos).
Markup, Not Code: HTML arranges content but doesn’t “program” logic — that’s where other languages come in.
Works with Other Teck: You can combine HTML with CSS for styling and JavaScript for interactivity.

Why the Name “HyperText Markup Language”?

Let’s break it down:

HyperText = Text that connects to other content through links.
Markup Language = A way of marking or tagging text to give it meaning or structure.

So, HTML uses tags (like <h1>, <p>, <a>) to organize and display different types of content, such as images, text, audio, and video.

Note: Tags are written inside angle brackets < > and each has a specific function on a web page.

Try This:

Open any website, right-click, and select “View Page Source” — you’ll see the raw HTML code the browser is using to display that page. That’s the behind-the-scenes structure of the site!

In this course, we’ll learn how to write this kind of code from scratch.

Simple Analogy: HTML, CSS & JavaScript

Imagine a car:

HTML is the frame — it gives the car its shape.
CSS is the paint and polish — it makes the car attractive.
JavaScript is the engine — it gives the car its functions.

In a website, HTML builds the structure, CSS handles the design, and JavaScript makes it interactive.

A Brief Look at HTML’s History

1989 – The idea of the World Wide Web is born.
1991 – HTML is released by Tim Berners – Lee.
1995-1997 – HTML evolves with new capabilities.
1999 – We use HTML5, the most modern version packed with new features.

You can explore a detailed timeline on the HTML Wikipedia page, but for now, let’s move forward and dive into how websites really work!