Question

Write the HTML statement that inputs the image on file mine.gif into the web page.

Short answer

Use `` to input the image into the web page.

Step-by-step solution

Identify the HTML Tag for Images

In HTML, images are inserted using the `` tag. This tag requires no closing tag, meaning it is self-closing.

Specify the Source of the Image

Within the `` tag, you must provide the `src` attribute, which specifies the path to the image file. For the file `mine.gif`, the source path would be specified as `src="mine.gif"`.

Build the Complete HTML Image Tag

Combine what you've learned to create the complete HTML statement. This involves using the `` tag and the `src` attribute. Typically, you might also include an `alt` attribute for accessibility purposes, like so: ``.

Key concepts

img tag

When adding images to an HTML document, the `` tag is used. This tag serves the specific purpose of embedding images and is one of the void elements in HTML. This means it doesn't require a closing tag, making it unique compared to many other HTML elements. The syntax is quite simple, which is perfect for beginners.
As part of HTML basics, the `` tag requires two important attributes to function correctly: `src` and `alt`. While other attributes, like class or style, could further define how the image appears or behaves, these two are foundational. Using the `` tag correctly ensures that images load properly and improve the user experience on any webpage.

src attribute

To display an image, the `src` attribute is crucial. It stands for 'source' and tells the browser where to find the image file you want to display. In the example `img src="mine.gif"`, the `src` attribute is set to find the mine.gif image file. It can be a local file path, like in our example, or a URL pointing to an image hosted on a website.
It's important to ensure that the file path or URL is correct. If there's a mistake, the image won't display. The default behavior when an image's source can't be found is usually a broken image icon, which can be confusing or unprofessional to website visitors.
Using a valid `src` ensures images enhance a webpage effectively, contributing to the overall design and user interaction.

alt attribute

The alt attribute provides a textual description of the image. This is essential for several reasons:

• Accessibility: Screen readers use the alt text to describe images to visually impaired users.
• SEO Benefits: Search engines can better index and understand the content of a webpage.
• Error Handling: If an image cannot load, the alt text will appear in its place.

In our example, `alt="Image description"` should be descriptive enough to convey what is presented in the image.
Always use meaningful alt text. Avoid redundancy and ensure it accurately describes the image content or its intended purpose on the page.

HTML basics

HTML, short for Hypertext Markup Language, is the backbone of most webpages. It serves as the standard markup language for creating web documents. Understanding the basics of HTML involves grasping its structure, which is made up of elements and attributes.
Elements form the basic building blocks of HTML pages. They typically include an opening tag, content, and a closing tag. Attributes, on the other hand, provide additional information about elements, usually given as name-value pairs within the opening tag.
Mastering HTML basics is the first step in web development, allowing more complex languages and technologies, like CSS and JavaScript, to be layered on. Knowing HTML fosters a better understanding of how web documents are structured and presented across the internet.