Hypertext Documents and Browsers

Griffith Feeney

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A hypertext document is:

• A digital document containing links (references) to other documents, images, or other computer files

• When viewed with a browser enables readers to move instantaneously to the referenced document and back

• Widely implemented with Hypertext Markup Language (HTML)

An HTML document

• is a text file that may be created, viewed, or edited with any text editor

• includes markup that instructs the browser how to display the document and specifies the location of linked documents

• is an open, non-proprietary, and platform-independent format

About HTML Browsers

• A browser is computer program used to view HTML documents and to follow links from one document to another

• HTML Browsers are available for virtually every operating system

• HTML Browers are generally available without cost

• Examples are Netscape, Mosaic, and Internet Explorer

Note

• HTML documents and browsers were popularized by the World Wide Web, but have more general application

• They may be used on a "stand-alone" computer for accessing information

• They may be used on any computer network for the same purpose

The Importance of Hypertext

• Rests on computer networking and on having information resources in digital (as distinct from print) form

• The new idea is not referencing (obviously), but instant (more or less) accessibility or related knowledge

• Provides a very powerful tool for organizing information and data

The Importance of HTML

• The universal language of the world wide web

• Illustrates the power of open (non-proprietary) standards and decentralization

• Makes information access easy; school children can master the interface

• Exemplifies a more general tool, Standard Generalized Markup Language (SGML)

The End

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