What is HTML used for in web design?

HTML, which stands for HyperText Markup Language, is fundamentally used to structure content on the web. It provides the backbone for web documents, allowing web designers and developers to define various elements such as headings, paragraphs, links, images, lists, and other types of content. By using various HTML tags, these elements are organized in a meaningful way, enabling browsers to interpret and display the content correctly.

This structural aspect is crucial because it not only represents information visually but also informs search engines and assistive technologies about the hierarchy and relationship of the content on a page. For instance, using appropriate tags for headings helps convey the importance of different sections of a webpage and enhances accessibility for users relying on screen readers.

While other aspects of web design involve styling (done through CSS), content optimization for search engines (SEO), or graphics creation (typically handled by image editing software or technologies like SVG), HTML's primary role remains in structuring the content itself. This foundational aspect of web design is essential for creating functional and organized websites.