HTML Elements

Subject: html

HTML Elements

In HTML, elements are the building blocks of a webpage. An HTML element typically consists of a start tag, some content, and an end tag.

General Syntax of an HTML Element:

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Examples:

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Empty HTML Elements

Some HTML elements do not wrap around any content and do not require a closing tag. These are called empty elements.

Example:

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  • The <br> tag is used to insert a line break.
  • It does not have an end tag because it's an empty element.

Nested HTML Elements

HTML allows you to place elements inside other elements. This is known as nesting.

Example:

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Explanation:

  • <html> is the root element of the document. It wraps all other elements.
  • Inside <html>, there is a <body> element, which contains the visible content.
  • Within <body>, we have:
    • <h1> for the main heading
    • <p> for a paragraph of text

This structure shows how elements can be nested to form a complete HTML document.

Importance of Closing Tags

While some browsers may render HTML correctly even if you omit certain closing tags, it's always recommended to include both start and end tags for consistency and reliability.

Poor Practice (Missing End Tags):

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Correct Practice:

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Forgetting to close tags can lead to unexpected behavior, especially in more complex layouts.

HTML is Not Case Sensitive

HTML tags are not case sensitive. This means:

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...works the same as:

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However, it's best practice—especially when writing clean, modern code—to use lowercase tags. In stricter document types like XHTML, lowercase is required.

Key Takeaway

HTML elements are the essential components that structure content on the web. Understanding how to properly use tags, nest elements, and manage empty tags helps you write clear and reliable HTML. Following best practices—like closing tags and using lowercase—ensures your pages display correctly across all browsers and devices. As you build more web pages, mastering HTML elements becomes second nature.

Next: HTML Head Element