Introduction

Hyperlinks (links) are the foundation of web navigation. They allow users to jump between web pages, access resources, or trigger downloads. The <a> element defines a hyperlink in HTML. Understanding links is critical for creating functional and accessible websites.

Basic Syntax

The basic structure of an HTML link:

<a href="https://www.example.com">Visit Example</a>
        

The href attribute specifies the URL of the page or resource to link to.

Types of Links

• External Links: Navigate to another website (absolute URL).
• Internal Links: Navigate to a different page within the same website (relative URL).
• Anchor Links: Jump to a specific section on the same page.
• Download Links: Allow users to download files.
• Email Links: Open the user’s email client using mailto:.
• Telephone Links: Open the phone dialer using tel:.

Attributes

Examples

1. External Link in New Tab:

<a href="https://www.example.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Visit Example</a>
        

2. Internal Page Link:

<a href="about.html">About Us</a>
        

3. Anchor Link:

<a href="#contact">Go to Contact Section</a>
...
<h2 id="contact">Contact Us</h2>
        

4. Email and Phone Links:

<a href="mailto:info@example.com">Send Email</a>
<a href="tel:+911234567890">Call Us</a>
        

Best Practices

• Use descriptive anchor text for clarity and accessibility.
• Always include rel="noopener noreferrer" when using target="_blank".
• Check links regularly to avoid broken links.
• Internal linking improves navigation and SEO.

Summary

HTML links (<a>) are essential for web navigation. Understanding attributes, link types, and best practices ensures your website is functional, accessible, and SEO-friendly.