What is the Difference Between HTML and CSS?

🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚

The main difference between HTML and CSS lies in their functionalities. HTML (Hypertext Markup Language) is used to create the actual content of a web page, such as written text, while CSS (Cascade Styling Sheets) is responsible for the design or style of the website, including layout, visual effects, and background color. Here are some key differences between HTML and CSS:

  • Functionality: HTML provides the structure and content of a web page, while CSS defines the style and layout.
  • Tags and Selectors: HTML uses tags to structure the content, whereas CSS uses selectors to define elements on a webpage.
  • Separation of Concerns: Both HTML and CSS follow the principle of separation of concerns, which means that HTML defines the structure and content, and CSS defines the style and layout.
  • Cascading: The "C" in CSS stands for "Cascading," which means that styles can be inherited and overridden based on the order of the style rules.
  • Integration: HTML and CSS are often used together to design web pages.

In summary, HTML is the building block of a website, providing structure and content, while CSS is responsible for the visual appearance of a website, including design and styling. Both languages are essential for creating web pages and web applications, and they work together to create the desired look and feel of a website.

Comparative Table: HTML vs CSS

HTML and CSS are both essential for creating web pages, but they serve different purposes and have distinct characteristics. Here is a table highlighting the differences between HTML and CSS:

Feature HTML CSS
Purpose Defines the structure and outline of a web page, including headings, links, and other structural elements Defines the style and presentation of a web page, including colors, fonts, and layout
Syntax Uses tags and attributes to define elements Uses properties and values to define styles
Accessibility Provides accessibility information for screen readers and other assistive technologies Does not provide direct accessibility information, but can be used to enhance accessibility when applied correctly
Responsiveness Can create basic table structures, but difficulty in creating responsive designs Can create complex and responsive layouts with ease
Application Semantic and structural markup Presentation and styling of structural markup

In summary, HTML is used to create the structure and outline of a web page, while CSS is used to define the style and presentation of that structure. Using both HTML and CSS together allows web developers to create visually appealing and accessible web pages.