HTML - Elements and Tags in HTML

Introduction

HTML uses elements and tags to structure and display content on a webpage. They are the fundamental building blocks of HTML. Every webpage is created by combining different elements that tell the browser how content should appear or behave.

Understanding elements and tags is important because they form the basis for writing correct and meaningful HTML code.

What is an HTML Tag?

A tag is a keyword enclosed within angle brackets < >. Tags instruct the browser how to interpret content.

There are usually two types of tags:

Opening Tag
Marks the beginning of an element

<p>

Closing Tag
Marks the end of an element and includes a forward slash

</p>

Together they define the boundaries of content.

What is an HTML Element?

An HTML element consists of:

  • Opening tag

  • Content

  • Closing tag

Example:

<p>This is a paragraph.</p>
 

Here:

  • <p> is the opening tag

  • Text inside is the content

  • </p> is the closing tag

The entire structure forms the paragraph element.

 

Empty Elements

Some elements do not have closing tags because they do not contain content. These are called empty or self-contained elements.

Example:

<br> <img src="image.jpg" alt="Sample">

They perform specific tasks such as inserting line breaks or images.

Nested Elements

HTML elements can be placed inside other elements. This is called nesting and helps create structured layouts.

Example:

<p>This is <strong>important</strong> text.</p>

The element is nested inside the paragraph element.

Proper nesting requires that elements close in the reverse order of opening.

Block-Level and Inline Elements

Block-Level Elements
These occupy the full width of the page and start on a new line.

Examples:

  • <div>

  • <p>

  • <h1>

  •  

    • Inline Elements
      These only take up as much space as needed and stay within the same line.

Examples:

    • <span>

    • <a>

    • <strong>

Understanding this distinction helps in layout design.

Case Sensitivity and Best Practice

HTML tags are not case-sensitive, but it is best practice to write them in lowercase for readability and consistency.

Example:

<p>Correct practice</p>

Importance of Elements and Tags

Using elements and tags correctly:

  • Structures webpage content logically

  • Ensures proper browser rendering

  • Improves readability and maintainability

  • Supports styling and scripting integration

Without proper use of tags and elements, webpages would not display correctly.

Summary

Tags define the start and end of content instructions, while elements include the tags and the content they enclose. Mastering how to use them correctly allows students to create structured and functional webpages and forms the basis for learning advanced HTML and web design concepts.