HTML Computer Code Elements - Explained with Examples

Enhance code representation with HTML Computer Code Elements! Explore examples for precise formatting, optimizing readability in web development projects effortlessly.

HTML contains several elements for defining user input and computer code.

Example

<code>
x = 5;
y = 6;
z = x + y;
</code>

HTML <kbd> For Keyboard Input

The HTML <kbd> element is used to define keyboard input. The content inside is displayed in the browser's default monospace font.

Example

Define some text as keyboard input in a document:

<p>Save the document by pressing <kbd>Ctrl + S</kbd></p>

Result:

Save the document by pressing Ctrl + S

HTML <samp> For Program Output

The HTML <samp> element is used to define sample output from a computer program. The content inside is displayed in the browser's default monospace font.

Example

Define some text as sample output from a computer program in a document:

<p>Message from my computer:</p>
<p><samp>File not found.<br>Press F1 to continue</samp></p>

Result:

Message from my computer:
File not found.
Press F1 to continue

HTML <code> For Computer Code

The HTML <code> element  is used to define a piece of computer code. The content inside is displayed in the browser's default monospace font.

Example

Define some text as computer code in a document:

<code>
x = 5;
y = 6;
z = x + y;
</code>

Result:

x = 5; y = 6; z = x + y; 

Notice that the <code> element does not preserve extra whitespace and line-breaks.

To fix this, you can put the <code> element inside a <pre> element:

Example

<pre>
<code>
x = 5;
y = 6;
z = x + y;
</code>
</pre>

Result:

x = 5;
y = 6;
z = x + y; 

HTML <var> For Variables

The HTML <var> element  is used to define a variable in programming or in a mathematical expression. The content inside is typically displayed in italic.

Example

Define some text as variables in a document:

<p>The area of a triangle is: 1/2 x <var>b</var> x <var>h</var>, where <var>b</var> is the base, and <var>h</var> is the vertical height.</p>

Result:

The area of a triangle is: 1/2 x b x h, where b is the base, and h is the vertical height.

Summary

• The <kbd> element defines keyboard input
• The <samp> element defines sample output from a computer program
• The <code> element defines a piece of computer code
• The <var> element defines a variable in programming or in a mathematical expression
• The <pre> element defines preformatted text

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