Know these HTML Tags and Unlock the True Potential of Web Development
Tags: html, webdev, htmltags, productivity
Published: 2023-06-21 10:12:52

HTML (Hypertext Markup Language) is the foundation of every web page on the internet. As a web developer, it's crucial to have a strong understanding of HTML and its tags. While most developers are familiar with common HTML tags like `<div>`, `<p>`, and `<img>`, there are several lesser-known tags that can greatly enhance your web development skills. In this article, we will explore some of these hidden gems that can unlock the true potential of web development.

## 1. `<datalist>`

The `<datalist>` tag is a powerful tool for creating interactive forms. It provides a list of predefined options that users can choose from when filling out a form field. By associating the `<datalist>` tag with an `<input>` field, you can offer suggestions to users as they type, improving the user experience. Here's an example:

```html
<label for="fruit">Choose a fruit:</label>
<input type="text" list="fruits" id="fruit">
<datalist id="fruits">
  <option value="Apple">
  <option value="Banana">
  <option value="Orange">
  <option value="Strawberry">
  <option value="Watermelon">
</datalist>
```

### Output
![Datalist Tag Output](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/ll8z2qmg2xl6jko0hccz.png)

## 2. `<figure>` and `<figcaption>`

When it comes to displaying images and captions, the combination of the `<figure>` and `<figcaption>` tags can be immensely useful. The `<figure>` tag represents self-contained content, such as an image, diagram, or code snippet. The `<figcaption>` tag, when used within a `<figure>` element, provides a caption or description for the content. This allows you to create visually appealing and accessible image captions. Here's an example:

```html
<figure>
  <img src="image.jpg" alt="A beautiful landscape">
  <figcaption>This is a beautiful landscape.</figcaption>
</figure>
```

### Output
![Figure and Figcaption Tag Output](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/x0b7qjs75aazwh41okwp.png)

## 3. `<mark>`

The `<mark>` tag is used to highlight or mark a specific portion of text within a larger document. It is particularly handy when you want to draw attention to specific keywords, search results, or important sections of text. Browsers typically render the marked text with a yellow background. Here's an example:

```html
<p>
  Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, <mark>consectetur adipiscing</mark> elit.
</p>
```

### Output
![Mark Tag Output](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/e4seyzu4poa5uned2eau.png)

## 4. `<bdo>`

The `<bdo>` (Bi-Directional Override) tag allows you to override the default text directionality of the document. It can be useful when you need to display text in a different direction, such as right-to-left. By default, HTML text is rendered left-to-right, but with `<bdo>`, you can change the directionality as needed. Here's an example:

```html
<bdo dir="rtl">This text will be displayed right-to-left.</bdo>
```

### Output
![BDO Tag Output](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/c86vty6l0t6grwoekarz.png)

## 5. `<template>`

The `<template>` tag serves as a container for holding HTML content that will not be rendered when the page loads. It provides a way to define reusable HTML fragments that can be cloned and inserted into the document dynamically using JavaScript. This is particularly useful for creating dynamic web applications or generating repetitive content. Here's an example:

```html
<template id="greeting">
  <p>Hello, <span class="name"></span>!</p>
</template>

<script>
  const greeting = document.getElementById('greeting');
  const clone = greeting.content.cloneNode(true);
  clone.querySelector('.name').textContent = 'John';
  document.body.appendChild(clone);
</script>
```

### Output
![Template Tag Output](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/zkwlfyt7yd2n3topneeh.png)

## Conclusion

Expanding your knowledge of HTML tags beyond the basics can greatly enhance your web development skills. The lesser-known tags discussed in this article, such as `<datalist>`, `<figure>`, `<figcaption>`, `<mark>`, `<bdo>`, and `<template>`, offer unique functionalities that can make your web pages more interactive, accessible, and visually appealing. By exploring these tags and incorporating them into your projects, you can unlock the true potential of web development and take your skills to the next level. Happy coding!