Every HTML document follows a basic structure. This structure helps the browser understand how to read and display the webpage correctly.
Learning the HTML file structure is very important because all web pages are built using this same foundation.
An HTML file is divided into different sections. Each section has a specific purpose.
The main parts of an HTML document are:
- Document type declaration
- HTML element
- Head section
- Body section
Document Type Declaration
The document type declaration tells the browser which version of HTML is being used. It ensures that the browser renders the page correctly according to modern standards.
This declaration is always written at the top of the HTML file.
In this structure:
- The html element wraps the entire document
- The head section contains information about the page
- The title defines the page name shown in the browser tab
- The body section contains visible content
The head section does not display content on the page. It is used for metadata, page title, and linking external resources like CSS files.
The body section contains everything that users see on the webpage, such as text, images, links, and buttons.
Important Rules to Remember
- Every HTML file should start with a document type declaration
- The head and body sections must be inside the html element
- Content outside the body will not display properly
- Proper structure makes code easy to read and maintain
Why HTML Structure Matters for Jobs
Most real-world websites follow clean and proper HTML structure. Employers expect developers to understand this clearly.
A strong understanding of HTML structure helps you write better code, avoid layout issues, and work efficiently with CSS and JavaScript.
What You Will Learn Next
In the next lesson, you will learn about HTML tags and elements, which are the building blocks of every web page.