Basic Structure of an HTML Page

Understanding the basic structure of an HTML document is essential for creating well-formed and functional web pages. Every HTML page follows a common template that browsers rely on to render content correctly.

HTML Page Template


<!DOCTYPE html>
<html lang="en">
  <head>
    <meta charset="UTF-8">
    <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0">
    <title>Page Title</title>
  </head>
  <body>
    <!-- Content goes here -->
  </body>
</html>

This code sets up a basic HTML document. It ensures the page is interpreted correctly by modern browsers and devices.

Breakdown of Key Elements

<!DOCTYPE html> – Declares the HTML5 document type.
<html lang="en"> – Root element with a language attribute.
<head> – Contains metadata like character set, title, and responsive settings.
<body> – Holds all visible content of the page (headings, paragraphs, images, etc.).

Why It Matters

Helps browsers interpret the page correctly.
Ensures consistent structure across different pages.
Improves accessibility, SEO, and maintainability.
Serves as the foundation for CSS and JavaScript integration.

Conclusion

A solid understanding of HTML’s basic structure is essential for building any web page. Master this layout and you’re ready to add style and functionality in the next steps of your development journey.

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