HTML Entities
HTML entities are used to represent characters that have special meanings in HTML or characters that cannot be easily typed using a standard keyboard. These entities ensure that the characters are displayed correctly in a web browser.
1. Basic HTML Entities
Some characters, such as the less-than (<) and greater-than (>) symbols, must be represented by entities because they are used in HTML tags.
Example:
To display the less-than symbol, use <:
<p>5 < 10</p>This will display as:
5 < 10
2. Non-breaking Space
A non-breaking space is used to create a space that will not break into a new line.
Example:
To create a non-breaking space, use :
<p>This is a non-breaking space.</p>This will display as:
This is a non-breaking space.
3. Reserved Characters
Some characters are reserved in HTML and must be replaced with character entities to be displayed correctly.
Example:
Reserved characters include:
- < – less than
- > – greater than
- & – ampersand
- " – double quote
- ' – single quote
Example usage in HTML:
<p>Tom & Jerry</p>This will display as:
Tom & Jerry
4. Symbols
HTML entities can be used to display various symbols, such as mathematical operators, currency symbols, and more.
Example:
Some commonly used symbols include:
- © – ©
- ® – ®
- € – €
- ¢ – ¢
- £ – £
Example usage in HTML:
<p>© 2024 Your Company</p>This will display as:
© 2024 Your Company
5. ASCII Characters
HTML entities can be used to display ASCII characters by using their decimal or hexadecimal code values.
Example:
Displaying the letter “A” using its ASCII value:
<p>A</p>
<p>A</p> Both examples will display as:
A
6. Combining HTML Entities
You can combine multiple HTML entities to display a sequence of special characters.
Example:
Combining entities to display a mathematical expression:
<p>5 < 10 & 10 > 5</p>This will display as:
5 < 10 & 10 > 5
Conclusion
Using HTML entities is essential for displaying special characters and symbols correctly in a web page. Understanding and using these entities ensures that your HTML content is accurately represented and easily readable by users and browsers.