HTML - <template> tag

What it actually means

The <template> tag holds HTML that is not rendered when the page loads. Its content exists only for cloning and insertion via JavaScript.

How to use it correctly

Example:

<template id="card-template">
  <article class="card">
    <h3></h3>
    <p></p>
  </article>
</template>

Usage:

  • Clone the template

  • Populate data

  • Insert into DOM

The browser ignores template content until used.

Why this matters

  • Prevents duplication of markup

  • Improves maintainability

  • Cleaner than building HTML strings in JavaScript

  • Essential for Web Components

String-based HTML creation is error-prone and hard to debug.

Accessibility impact

  • Template content is invisible to screen readers until rendered

  • Ensures assistive tools readقس
    Oops there's a glitch. Need fix and continue cleanly.

6. <template> tag

What it actually means

The <template> tag stores HTML that is not rendered when the page loads. Its content is inactive until JavaScript explicitly clones and inserts it into the DOM.

How to use it correctly

Example:

<template id="card-template">
  <article class="card">
    <h3></h3>
    <p></p>
  </article>
</template>

Usage pattern:

  • Select the template

  • Clone its content

  • Populate data

  • Append to the DOM

The browser ignores template content during initial rendering.

Why this matters

  • Eliminates repeated HTML markup

  • Safer and cleaner than building HTML strings

  • Improves performance for dynamic content

  • Fundamental for Web Components and modern UI patterns

Accessibility impact

  • Template content is ignored by screen readers until inserted

  • Ensures only active content is announced

  • Prevents hidden or duplicate content from being read

Practical rule

If HTML is meant to be rendered later or multiple times, use <template> instead of string concatenation.