HTML
Definition.
HTML: HyperText Markup Language, the standard markup language for documents designed to be displayed in a web browser.
In More Detail
HTML carries meaning, not just layout. Using a heading because it is the right level rather than because it looks right is what lets screen readers navigate a page and search engines understand its structure.
This is also where a lot of SEO work actually happens: one `h1` per document, headings in order, real `button` and `a` elements instead of clickable `div`s, and images with alt text that describes the image rather than repeating the filename.
In Practice
Semantic, accessible HTML underneath the framework matters for two practical reasons: screen readers need it, and search engines parse it directly — a div-soup page can look identical to users but perform worse on both fronts.
Related Terms
Browse the full software development glossary, or see the frequently asked questions.
If you are working out whether this applies to your own project, the case studies show where it turned up in real builds, services lists what I take on, and pricing gives the starting figures.
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