HTML

Definition: HTML (Hypertext Markup Language) is the basic language used to create graphic web pages. HTML defines the syntax and tags used to create documents on the World Wide Web. In its basic form, HTML documents are static- meaning they display text and graphics but that is all. In order to have scrolling text, animations, buttons that change when the mouse pointer is over them, etc. a developer needs to use active scripting like JavaScript or VBScript or use 3rd party plug-ins like Macromedia Flash.

There are variations and additions to HTML as well. DHTML (Dynamic Hypertext Markup Language) is used to refer to pages that include things like JavaScript or CGI scripts in order to dynamically present information unique to each user or each time the user visits the site. XML (Extensible Markup Language) is gaining in popularity because of its ability to interact with data and provide a means for sharing and interpreting data between different platforms and applications.

Also Known As: Hypertext Markup Language