How do inline elements behave compared to block elements in HTML?

Inline elements do not start on a new line, which means they flow within the content of block elements, allowing text and other inline elements to be on the same line. This allows for a more fluid layout where elements like <span>, <a>, and <img> can be positioned next to each other without causing a line break.

On the other hand, block elements such as <div>, <p>, and <h1> inherently start on a new line. When a block element is placed in the document, it takes up the full width available, creating a line break before and after it. This distinction is fundamental in structuring webpages, as it affects how content is displayed and how users visually interact with it.

Understanding this difference helps developers create responsive designs and layout frameworks effectively, ensuring that text and other elements are organized and presented in a user-friendly manner.