What Is a Markup Language?
A markup language is a system for outlining the construction, presentation, and/or function of content material inside a digital doc so laptop packages can interpret and show the content material appropriately.
Markup languages encode textual content utilizing particular vocabulary, symbols, and/or syntax guidelines.
For instance, the in HTML (hypertext markup language) communicates that the enclosed textual content is a top-level heading.
Serps can use this info to raised perceive the subject material of your web page. Whereas browsers can use this info to use the related styling.
Right here’s what an H1 seems to be like on the web page and within the backend:
Markup languages can:
- Make your web site extra search engine-friendly
- Guarantee your content material shows constantly throughout completely different applied sciences
- Enhance web site accessibility
Markup Languages vs. Programming Languages
Markup languages and programming languages are each varieties of laptop languages used to construction, show, and manipulate content material or information—however they aren’t the identical factor.
Programming languages present logic that computer systems can execute. This permits this system to react to inputs, carry out calculations, make selections, and full duties.
For instance, you possibly can program a button to alter coloration when a person hovers on it.
In distinction, markup languages can solely outline a component’s construction and look on the time it’s loaded. Markup can not change a component’s state or conduct dynamically.
Python, JavaScript, and PHP are examples of programming languages.
Forms of Markup Languages
Markup languages could be semantic, presentational, procedural, or a mixture of those sorts.
Semantic markup (or descriptive markup) supplies that means to content material by labeling that content material’s construction and function. Which can assist browsers, serps, and builders interpret the content material appropriately.
For instance, in XML,
Presentational markup controls the visible look of content material so customers see content material in a selected method. This markup defines how the textual content ought to look with out specifying how the system ought to render it.
For instance, in HTML, Daring Textual content marks the enclosed textual content as daring however doesn’t dictate the precise course of the browser ought to use to realize that look.
Procedural markup supplies step-by-step instructions for a way content material must be processed, formatted, or displayed. As an alternative of defining look, this markup directs the system on what to do with the textual content.
For instance, In LaTeX, textbf{Daring Textual content} instructs the typesetting system to use a daring font weight primarily based on its backend processing guidelines.
7 Markup Language Examples
A number of the most generally used markup languages embody HTML, XML, markdown, SVG, LaTeX, SGML, and XHTML.
Let’s discover these markup languages in additional element:
1. HTML
HTML is the usual markup language used to construction and manage content material on webpages.
The most recent model of HTML known as HTML5.
You outline parts in an HTML doc by enclosing content material in HTML tags.
Like these:
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tags for paragraphs
- tags for hyperlinks
tags for photos
- for top-level headings
tags for web page titles
You may as well use semantic HTML to label completely different elements of your web page—e.g., the header, navigation menu, and footer. This helps serps, assistive applied sciences (like display readers), and builders perceive your content material’s function.
Right here’s an illustration of non-semantic HTML in comparison with semantic HTML:
Many sorts of HTML tags embody attributes, which give further details about the ingredient.
Attributes have a reputation and a worth. For instance, the href attribute is used to outline a hyperlink’s vacation spot:
HTML is usually used with JavaScript (a programming language that provides interactivity) and CSS (a mode sheet language that defines the styling of HTML content material).
2. XML
XML (extensible markup language) is used for storing and transporting information.
This markup language is vital in web optimization as a result of web optimization professionals use it to create XML sitemaps.
Your XML sitemap ought to checklist all of the pages in your web site you need serps to index (i.e., add to the database of attainable search outcomes). The XML format helps search engine crawlers learn the file.
In XML, you’re not restricted to a predefined set of tags. You may create customized tags to explain information.
Right here’s an instance of a easy system that organizes and holds structured info information about articles:
What Is a Markup Language?
Rachel Handley
2025
3. Markdown
Markdown is a light-weight markup language that makes use of symbols to format textual content in a plain-text editor.
The language’s easy syntax makes it very best for fast formatting and straightforward readability throughout completely different environments.
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Earlier than Rendering |
After Rendering |
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Daring textual content |
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Italic textual content |
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Markdown is broadly supported throughout phrase processors, immediate messaging apps, on-line boards, documentation instruments, note-taking purposes, developer platforms, running a blog websites, and mission administration instruments.
Some platforms, similar to Reddit and GitHub, use their very own variations of markdown.
4. SVG
SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics) is a markup language used to explain vector graphics.
Vector graphics are photos created from mathematical equations. This implies they’ll solely be used for comparatively easy graphics, however these graphics could be resized with out shedding high quality.
For instance, the SVG code under creates a blue circle that takes up 80% of the smallest facet of its container and is centered within the container.
SVG photos stay sharp at any measurement and sometimes load sooner than raster graphics (similar to JPEGs and PNGs). This makes SVG a good selection for logos, icons, charts, and different easy graphics.
5. LaTeX
LaTeX is a procedural markup language typically used to organize scientific papers, analysis articles, and mathematical content material—normally in a PDF format.
The language permits customers to show advanced equations with correct notation, like this:
LaTeX additionally makes dealing with citations, bibliographies, footnotes, and different parts that may be difficult to handle in different markup languages simpler.
6. SGML
SGML (customary generalized markup language) is a framework for creating markup languages—it was the inspiration for HTML and XML.
To start out with SGML, craft a Doc Kind Definition (DTD). The DTD outlines the doc construction and lists the weather, attributes, and entities you’ll use.
You may then write your doc in accordance with these established pointers.
Right here’s a short instance:
]>
Right now, most builders desire to make use of HTML or XML as a substitute of SGML. As a result of HTML and XML are extra user-friendly and broadly supported.
7. XHTML
XHTML is a mix of HTML and XML that merges HTML’s presentation options with XML’s strict syntax guidelines.
XHTML was developed to enhance code and browser compatibility. However many of those enhancements turned redundant with the introduction of HTML5.
Most builders now use HTML5 over XHTML resulting from HTML5’s adaptability and talent to maintain up with the evolving digital panorama.
Ought to I Be taught Markup Languages?
Studying related markup languages can assist you edit paperwork, construction content material, handle web sites, or format tutorial papers with out counting on exterior assist.
Nonetheless, many platforms present a WYSIWYG (what you see is what you get) editor. This implies you possibly can edit content material visually and the platform mechanically generates the underlying markup language.
For instance, making use of the “H1” model within the WordPress visible editor applies an
In case your mission requires superior performance, customized improvement, or advanced integrations, contemplate hiring a educated net developer to deal with coding. Doing so can assist guarantee effectivity, scalability, and professional-quality outcomes.
Tips on how to Be taught Markup Languages
You may study markup languages by following on-line tutorials, collaborating in related communities, or utilizing interactive code editors.
These are a few of my favourite sources:
- W3Schools supplies free guides, video tutorials, quizzes, and workouts for numerous markup languages. The positioning additionally affords paid programs and certification exams.
- Codecademy supplies a wide range of free studying sources. It additionally allows you to experiment with HTML code in a workspace and see the rendered lead to your browser.
- MDN Internet Docs (the Mozilla Developer Community) supplies a wide range of free instruments and sources for studying HTML. It will probably additionally train you about associated applied sciences like JavaScript and CSS.
- Stack Overflow is a discussion board about net improvement. When you have a query, it’s in all probability been requested and answered earlier than—if not, you possibly can submit a brand new query.
Discover and Repair Markup Errors on Your Web site
Only one misplaced image can create a markup language error, so checking your content material earlier than and after publishing is essential.
Semrush’s Website Audit device flags markup points that would have an effect on your web site’s web optimization efficiency. Comparable to:
- XML sitemap formatting errors
- HTML errors (e.g., lacking title tags or doctype declarations)
- SVG picture file errors
The device additionally identifies different points together with your technical and on-page web optimization, supplies recommendation on how and why to repair these points, and allows you to create duties on your crew.
With a free Semrush account, you possibly can audit as much as 100 pages per 30 days.
