<img>

Definition

<img> is an HTML tag used to embed images into a web page. It allows developers to add visual content, enhancing the overall user experience and accessibility of web content. This tag is self-closing and typically requires attributes such as 'src' to specify the image location and 'alt' to provide alternative text for accessibility, making it integral to effective HTML structure and semantic design.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. <img> does not have a closing tag, as it is a self-contained element, which means it can be used inline without requiring additional markup.
2. Including an 'alt' attribute in the <img> tag is crucial for accessibility, as it allows visually impaired users to understand the content of images through screen readers.
3. The <img> tag can also include additional attributes such as 'width' and 'height' to control the size of the displayed image directly within the HTML.
4. Images added using the <img> tag can significantly improve the engagement level of web pages, making them visually appealing and informative.
5. In responsive design, it's common to use the <picture> element along with <img> to provide multiple image sources for different screen sizes.

Review Questions

• How does the <img> tag contribute to improving web accessibility?
  • <img> enhances web accessibility primarily through its 'alt' attribute. By providing descriptive text for images, developers ensure that visually impaired users can understand what the images represent when using screen readers. This practice aligns with web accessibility guidelines, promoting inclusivity and ensuring all users can engage with web content effectively.
• Discuss the role of the 'src' and 'alt' attributes in the <img> tag and their importance in HTML semantics.
  • 'src' and 'alt' attributes are essential for the <img> tag's functionality and semantics. The 'src' attribute tells the browser where to find the image file, while the 'alt' attribute offers alternative text for users who cannot see the image. Together, these attributes support not only the visual aspect of a webpage but also its semantic meaning by providing context and aiding accessibility.
• Evaluate how proper use of the <img> tag can affect user experience and search engine optimization (SEO).
  • The proper use of the <img> tag significantly impacts both user experience and SEO. Well-placed images can make content more engaging and easier to understand, enhancing user interaction on a webpage. Additionally, search engines use 'alt' text to index images; thus, descriptive alt attributes can improve visibility in search results. This combination of visual appeal and optimized content helps attract more visitors and improves overall website performance.

Related terms

src: The 'src' attribute in the <img> tag specifies the URL of the image to be displayed on the web page.

alt: The 'alt' attribute in the <img> tag provides alternative text that describes the image, enhancing accessibility for screen readers.

figure: The <figure> tag is used to encapsulate images and illustrations along with their captions, providing better semantic structure.