Chapter 1: Introduction to HTML


Welcome to the first chapter of learning HTML (HyperText Markup Language), the foundational language of the web. HTML is essential for creating web pages and structures the content that users see in their browsers. This chapter will cover the basics of HTML, its purpose, and how it forms the building blocks of every website on the internet.


What is HTML?


HTML stands for HyperText Markup Language. It is a markup language used to define the structure and layout of web pages. Rather than providing functionality like programming languages, HTML organizes content such as text, images, links, and other elements in a way that browsers can interpret and display.


Key Features of HTML


1. Hypertext: This aspect of HTML allows linking to other documents, creating a connected web of content. Hypertext is what makes websites interactive, letting users click on links to navigate.



2. Markup Language: HTML uses "tags" to mark elements within a document. These tags define the role of each piece of content, such as headings, paragraphs, images, or links.



3. Compatibility: HTML is designed to work seamlessly with all web browsers and devices. It ensures that content appears consistently across various platforms.




Basic Structure of an HTML Document


An HTML document consists of a series of tags and elements organized in a specific structure:


<!DOCTYPE html>

<html>

<head>

    <title>Chapter 1: Introduction to HTML</title>

</head>

<body>

    <h1>Welcome to HTML</h1>

    <p>This is a simple HTML document structure.</p>

</body>

</html>


DOCTYPE Declaration: <!DOCTYPE html> tells the browser the document type, ensuring it interprets the HTML correctly.


HTML Element: The <html> tag represents the root of the HTML document.


Head Element: The <head> section contains meta-information, like the title displayed on the browser tab.


Body Element: The <body> section includes the actual content seen on the web page.



Summary


In this chapter, you learned about the purpose and basic structure of HTML. Understanding HTML will help you create web pages and serve as a solid foundation for deeper exploration into web development. The next chapter will delve into specific tags and elements that allow you to create more complex structures.