What does the term 'metadata' refer to in web design?

The term 'metadata' in web design refers to data that provides information about other data. This includes details that describe the properties or attributes of web content, such as the title of a webpage, description, keywords, and author information. Metadata plays a crucial role in search engine optimization (SEO) and helps browsers and search engines understand the content of a web page for better indexing and ranking.

In this context, metadata enhances the usability and visibility of a website, making it easier for users to find relevant content through search engines. It is not concerned with the layout structure of a web page, styles, or visual elements, which are associated with different aspects of web design and development. Therefore, recognizing metadata's role in providing contextual information about the data on a webpage is essential for effective web design practices.