What is HTML? What Does It Do? And What Is It Used For?

Summary

In this informative video, Topher from WinningWP explains HTML (Hypertext Markup Language) and its significance in web development, particularly within WordPress. He clarifies that HTML enables the creation of hyperlinks and structures web content using markup. Demonstrating the WYSIWYG editor, Topher highlights how text formatting is done through HTML tags that convey meaning beyond appearance, benefiting both users and assistive technologies. He also discusses the variability in HTML rendering across different browsers and provides insights on using tables and images effectively. The video concludes by inviting viewers to learn more about WordPress on WinningWP.com.

Takeaways

• 😀 HTML stands for Hypertext Markup Language, which allows for clickable links on web pages.
• 📄 HTML is used to mark up text, indicating its structure and importance in a way that browsers can interpret.
• 🔍 In WordPress, the WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) editor simplifies content editing without needing to know HTML.
• 🔑 HTML tags come in pairs: an opening tag and a closing tag, with the closing tag marked by a slash.
• 📏 HTML describes the purpose of text, while browsers determine how to display it visually.
• 📝 Headings in HTML (like H3 and H4) create a hierarchy that helps both users and search engines understand content structure.
• ⚠️ Not all browsers render HTML the same way, so relying on HTML for consistent visual appearance can be tricky.
• 🖼️ The <img> tag in HTML includes attributes for class, source, alt text, width, and height, aiding accessibility and layout.
• 💡 Knowing basic HTML can be helpful when troubleshooting issues in the WYSIWYG editor.
• 🌐 To learn more about WordPress and HTML, visit WinningWP.com for additional resources.

Q & A

What does HTML stand for?

HTML stands for Hypertext Markup Language.

What is the function of hypertext in HTML?

Hypertext allows users to click on links in web pages, facilitating navigation.

How does HTML describe text?

HTML uses tags to mark up text, indicating its structure and purpose, such as headings, paragraphs, and bold text.

What does the term 'markup language' mean?

A markup language is a system used to annotate a document in a way that is syntactically distinguishable from the text.

What is a WYSIWYG editor?

WYSIWYG stands for 'What You See Is What You Get,' meaning the editor shows the content as it will appear in the browser.

What do the strong and heading tags do in HTML?

The strong tag indicates that the text should be emphasized, while heading tags define the hierarchy of information on a webpage.

Why is understanding HTML important for using WordPress?

Knowing HTML can help users troubleshoot issues with the WYSIWYG editor and enhance their ability to format content effectively.

What is the significance of alt tags in images?

Alt tags provide descriptions of images for screen readers, improving accessibility for visually impaired users.

How do different browsers affect HTML rendering?

Not all browsers render HTML the same way, which means the appearance of elements like text size and boldness can vary between them.

What should you do if the WYSIWYG editor isn't behaving as expected?

Switching to the text view allows users to see the raw HTML and make adjustments directly to the markup.