HTML Essentials
Basic Structure
Understand the required shape of an HTML document.
A predictable document structure helps browsers render content correctly.
Important definitions
- DOCTYPE
- Declares the HTML standard.
- Head
- Stores page metadata.
- Body
- Contains visible page content.
Syntax
Use this general pattern as a reference:
HTML
<!doctype html><html><head></head><body></body></html>Examples
Basic Structure worked example
EXAMPLE 1
<!doctype html>
<html lang="en">
<head><meta charset="utf-8"><title>Home</title></head>
<body><p>Welcome</p></body>
</html>ResultA page containing Welcome.
COMPLETE EXAMPLE
<!doctype html>
<html lang="en">
<head><meta charset="utf-8"><title>Home</title></head>
<body><p>Welcome</p></body>
</html>Expected output
A page containing Welcome.
Note
Most content belongs inside body.
Tip
Add a language, character set, and descriptive title to every page.
Common mistakes
- Putting visible headings in head.
- Omitting the doctype.