What is HTML?

HTML is...

• A markup language, which is essential for the creation of web pages, data storage, documentation, etc. Markup languages allow for readability and a clear standard in the use of tags, making it clear to both the systems, and to users who need to understand it.

• NOT a programming language. Although is does lay the foundation for delivering the information on a website from server to the client, it does not control logic, behavior, or perform calculations like a programming language.

• The Web Hypertext Application Technology (WHAT) Working Group's "living standard". This means that HTML 5.0 was designed in a way that has allowed it to be adapted and updated over time, without the need for new versions.

• Under the authority of WHAT Working group, under an agreement with W3C, which allows them to work on the development of HTML, while avoiding having two standards.

• Constantly needing to be evolved as the Web itself develops and changes. This makes it the backbone of the Web, always changing and being built upon to meet its demands.

Photo of Tim Berners-Lee next to a computer