Connecting

HTML: Connecting the Digital World 

The concept of hyperlinking resulted in the creation of the World Wide Web, a system of links amongst user-created pages, establishing one connected world! The World Wide Web - also known as the web, WWW, or W3 - refers to all the public websites or pages that users can access on their devices through the internet. Markup languages determine how elements are displayed. HTML is used to organize, format, and display the content of a web page, so that when a user visits a web page, its server sends its HTML files to the browser, which reads the HTML and displays it. CSS and JavaScript are used to add more features to a web page, allowing stylistic elements and enabling interactivity. Together, these three languages - HTML, CSS, and JavaScript - provide the foundation for all web development in the interconnected digital world.

HTML provides structure. 

HyperText Markup Language provides a structure for organizing and presenting information on the internet. Using the HTML system of elements and tags to develop the components of a webpage, including headings, paragraphs, lists, images, videos, links, and others, enhances readability and comprehension for users.  

HTML increases accessibility.

With HTML, the internet is a more equitable place. It supports features that help screen readers and other assistive technologies present content to users with disabilities, making it accessible to a broader audience.  

HTML enhances interactivity.

Combining HTML with CSS and JavaScript to create features such as forms, buttons, and multimedia elements allows active participation and an interactive and engaging web experience. 

HTML standardizes.

HTML standards are updated regularly and maintained by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) to ensure compatibility and uniformity, making it easier for developers to create content that works consistently across different devices, browsers, and platforms.  

HTML facilitates discoverability.

HTML provides essential elements and attributes that assist search engines in understanding and indexing content. Appropriately structured HTML enhances a webpage's discoverability and facilitates users in finding relevant information quickly, contributing to a better overall internet experience. 

HTML ensures adaptability.

Today, mobile internet traffic accounts for almost 60% of total web traffic, necessitating a mobile-friendly internet. Using HTML and CSS with a responsive design approach enable the creation of a layout that can respond to any device being used to view the content. Incorporating responsive design practices ensures that the internet is more accessible and usable across devices.

HTML promotes speed.

Providing structure and ways to optimize content, HTML promotes faster page loading, ensuring a smoother and more efficient internet experience.

The interconnected digital world promises free, equitable access to information; opens up new avenues for knowledge sharing; presents new means of expressing individual and collective identities; offers new ways to understand oneself and place in the world; and connects people, places and cultures. HTML serves as the basis for the digital world!