por Whether HTML is a programming language or not is one of the common concerns when you are getting started in the world of web development.. It is precisely this question that guides this article. To explain why HTML is not a programming language, we will first clarify the two concepts: what is HTML and What are programming languages? Thanks to this conceptualization, everything will be clearer.
Initial conceptualization
First of all, it is important to establish some key concepts to understand why HTML is not a programming language and what is the definition of a language in HTML.
The html language definition:
What is HTML?
Literally, HTML is HyperText Markup Languagewhich translates into Spanish as hypertext markup language. That is, HTML is a markup language that allows the structuring of information and content in a document or website. The markup is executed through tags that fulfill different functions in the structuring of the document. For example, there are tags for organizing content, tags for embedding content, tags for creating tables…
What are programming languages?
Regarding programming languages, the first thing to say is that They allow us to communicate with electronic devices. Today, there are too many. Among the most recognized, you have surely heard of Python, Java, C, C++ and C#. Each of the programming languages is oriented towards different objectives and varies significantly between them.
However, it is possible to point out some common characteristics regarding its category of programming languages. These essential features are:
The possibility of generating process flows following instructions. The power to repeat actions or processes certain times, as indicated. The ability to execute actions or make decisions conditioned by different previously established parameters.
Why is HTML not a programming language?
After defining these concepts, it is time to clarify the reasons why HTML is not a programming language.
First of all, it is understandable that this confusion exists, since you have probably seen a course or video in which you are invited to program with HTML. If we can program with HTML, it is normal for us to think that it is a programming language, but this is just a verbal mistake.
Remember that HTML is a language, but it is a markup language and whose purpose is the structuring of content based on hypertexts or links. That is, more than programming, HTML allows us to layout or structure websites so that they are compatible in the digital world.
Despite this, HTML does not allow us to create loops, related to the repetition of content, nor does it establish variables. It also does not have functions, which in programming are the blocks of code that execute operations. That is to say, HTML lacks essential features of programming languages. Of course, some programming languages allow you to link HTML content.
Another example of a language that is often confused with a programming language is CSS, which is nothing more than a style language which combines perfectly with HTML to improve the aesthetics of the website.
What is the next step?
In this post we have answered the question of whether HTML is a programming language and we have told you what the differences are between both concepts. Now, we invite you to continue delving deeper into the topic, for which we recommend our intensive course Fundamentals of HTML and CSS 3 so that you can put into practice each of the knowledge you are acquiring. Remember that computer science is moving at full speed. Don’t be left behind and sign up to continue learning with us!