HTML Computer Code Elements

HTML contains several elements for defining user input and computer code.


Example

<code>

x = 5;

y = 6;

z = x + y;

</code>

HTML <kbd> For Keyboard Input

The HTML <kbd> element is used to define keyboard input. The content inside is displayed in the browser's default monospace font.


Example

Define some text as keyboard input in a document:


<p>Save the document by pressing <kbd>Ctrl + S</kbd></p>

Result:


Save the document by pressing Ctrl + S

HTML <samp> For Program Output

The HTML <samp> element is used to define sample output from a computer program. The content inside is displayed in the browser's default monospace font.


Example

Define some text as sample output from a computer program in a document:


<p>Message from my computer:</p>

<p><samp>File not found.<br>Press F1 to continue</samp></p>

Result:


Message from my computer:

File not found.

Press F1 to continue

HTML <code> For Computer Code

The HTML <code> element  is used to define a piece of computer code. The content inside is displayed in the browser's default monospace font.


Example

Define some text as computer code in a document:


<code>

x = 5;

y = 6;

z = x + y;

</code>

Result:


x = 5; y = 6; z = x + y;

Notice that the <code> element does not preserve extra whitespace and line-breaks.


To fix this, you can put the <code> element inside a <pre> element:


Example

<pre>

<code>

x = 5;

y = 6;

z = x + y;

</code>

</pre>

Result:


x = 5;

y = 6;

z = x + y;

HTML <var> For Variables

The HTML <var> element  is used to define a variable in programming or in a mathematical expression. The content inside is typically displayed in italic.


Example

Define some text as variables in a document:


<p>The area of a triangle is: 1/2 x <var>b</var> x <var>h</var>, where <var>b</var> is the base, and <var>h</var> is the vertical height.</p>

Result:


The area of a triangle is: 1/2 x b x h, where b is the base, and h is the vertical height.

Chapter Summary
The <kbd> element defines keyboard input
The <samp> element defines sample output from a computer program
The <code> element defines a piece of computer code
The <var> element defines a variable in programming or in a mathematical expression
The <pre> element defines preformatted text

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