What does HTML stand for?

HTML stands for Hyper Text Markup Language. This terminology is fundamental to understanding how the web functions, as HTML is the standard markup language used to create web pages. The term "Hyper" in HTML signifies the linking capability of web pages, allowing users to navigate from one document to another effortlessly.

"Text" refers to the primary content that is typically formatted or structured using HTML elements, while "Markup Language" indicates that HTML is used to annotate text so that the web browser understands how to display it. This annotation process involves using various tags to create a structured layout for web content, encompassing elements like headers, paragraphs, links, and images.

Understanding this fundamental definition is crucial for anyone studying web development, as HTML serves as the backbone for creating online content and is often the first step in learning other web technologies.