HTML Links

What Are HTML Links?

HTML Links, or Hyperlinks, are one of the most essential elements of web development. They allow users to navigate from one page to another or even to an entirely different website. Using links, you can connect web pages and create a seamless browsing experience.

HTML links are hyperlinks.

You can click on a link and jump to another document.

When you move the mouse over a link, the mouse arrow will turn into a little hand.

How to Create an HTML Link?

To create a hyperlink, you use the <a> (anchor) tag. The basic syntax looks like this:

<a href="https://example.com">Click Here</a>

Here’s what each part means:

• href: Specifies the URL of the page the link points to.
• Link Text: The text between the opening and closing <a> tags is what users see and click.

HTML Links - The target Attribute

The target attribute specifies where to open the linked document.

The target attribute can have one of the following values:

• _self - Default. Opens the document in the same window/tab as it was clicked
• _blank - Opens the document in a new window or tab
• _parent - Opens the document in the parent frame
• _top - Opens the document in the full body of the window

Types of Links in HTML

1. Internal Links

Internal links point to pages within the same website. For example:

<a href="/about.html">About Us</a>

These links help organize your website and improve navigation.

2. External Links

External links point to pages on a different website. For example:

<a href="https://www.w3schools.com" target="_blank">Learn More</a>

The target="_blank" attribute opens the link in a new tab.

3. Anchor Links

Anchor links navigate to a specific section within the same page. Example:

<a href="#contact">Go to Contact Section</a>

Attributes of HTML Links

1. Target

Defines how the link opens:

• _self: Default. Opens in the same window.
• _blank: Opens in a new tab.

2. Title

Adds a tooltip on hover:

<a href="https://example.com" title="Visit Example">Example</a>

Best Practices for HTML Links

• Always use descriptive link text.
• Check that all links work properly (no broken links).
• Use relative URLs for internal links when possible.
• Ensure your links are accessible and visible.

Chapter Summary

• Use the <a> element to define a link
• Use the href attribute to define the link address
• Use the target attribute to define where to open the linked document
• Use the <img> element (inside <a>) to use an image as a link
• Use the mailto: scheme inside the href attribute to create a link that opens the user's email program

FAQs about HTML Links

How to Create an SEO-Friendly Link Structure?

Follow these tips to create links that are both user-friendly and optimized for search engines:

• Use keywords in your anchor text (e.g., "Learn HTML Links" instead of "Click here").
• Ensure your links are logically placed within your content.
• Regularly update and maintain your link structure.

Examples of Hyperlinks in Action

Basic Example:

<a href="https://vasusoft.com">Visit Vasusoft</a>

Anchor Example:

<a href="#services">Our Services</a>
<h2 id="services">Services Section</h2>