What Are HTML Entities?
HTML entities are a way to display reserved or special characters in a browser. Instead of writing the character directly, you use a specific code, starting with an ampersand (&) and ending with a semicolon (;).
- Reserved characters like
<,>are used for HTML tags. To display these symbols, you use entities like < for<and > for>. - Invisible characters like spaces ( ) or copyright symbols (©) can also be represented using entities.
Why Are HTML Entities Important?
- Avoid Errors: Reserved characters can break your HTML structure if not represented correctly.
- Cross-Browser Compatibility: Entities ensure characters display consistently across browsers.
- Improved Readability: Entities clarify the code by separating characters from functional HTML.
- Accessibility: Entities can make text more accessible to screen readers.
Syntax of HTML Entities
An HTML entity follows this basic structure:
&entity_name;
or
&#entity_number;
Examples:
- < or < represents <
- > or > represents >
- & or & represents &
Common HTML Entities
| Character | Entity Name | Entity Number |
|---|---|---|
| < | < | < |
| > | > | > |
| & | & | & |
| “ | " | " |
| ‘ | ' | ' |
| © | © | © |
| ® | ® | ® |
| (space) | |   |
Types of HTML Entities
1. Reserved Characters
Reserved characters are part of the HTML syntax, and using them directly may confuse the browser.
Example:
<p>This is a <sample> paragraph.</p>
Output:
This is a <sample> paragraph.
2. Special Characters
Special characters include symbols like copyright (©), registered trademark (®), and more.
Example:
<p>© 2024 MyWebsite. All rights reserved.</p>
Output:
© 2024 MyWebsite. All rights reserved.
3. Invisible Characters
Invisible characters, such as spaces, can also be represented using entities.
Example:
<p>This is spaced text.</p>
Output:
This is spaced text.
How to Use HTML Entities in Code
- Represent Reserved Characters:
To display <script> as text and not as a tag:
<p>The <script> tag is used to add JavaScript.</p>
- Add Special Symbols:
To display a trademark symbol:
<p>MyBrand™ is a global name.</p>
- Maintain Formatting with Invisible Characters:
To add extra space:
<p>First Second</p>
Advanced Examples
Example 1: Displaying Code Snippets
When writing tutorials, you may want to display HTML code as text.
<p>The following is an example of a link: <a href="#">Click here</a>.</p>
Output:
The following is an example of a link: <a href=”#”>Click here</a>.
Example 2: Combining Multiple Entities
Use multiple entities in one line to create structured text.
<p>© 2024 MyWebsite. All rights reserved. ®</p>
Output:
© 2024 MyWebsite. All rights reserved. ®
SEO Benefits of HTML Entities
Using HTML entities can improve a website’s SEO performance by ensuring proper rendering and avoiding broken HTML. This results in better indexing by search engines and an improved user experience.
Full HTML Example Using Entities
<!DOCTYPE html>
<html lang="en">
<head>
<meta charset="UTF-8">
<meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0">
<meta name="description" content="Learn all about HTML entities with examples. Represent reserved and special characters like <, >, & in HTML.">
<meta name="keywords" content="HTML entities, reserved characters, special symbols in HTML">
<title>HTML Entities Guide</title>
</head>
<body>
<header>
<h1>HTML Entities Guide</h1>
</header>
<main>
<section>
<h2>Introduction</h2>
<p>HTML entities represent reserved or special characters in web pages, ensuring proper display.</p>
</section>
<section>
<h2>Examples</h2>
<p>Reserved character example: <code></code></p>
<p>Special symbol example: © ®</p>
<p>Invisible character example: This is spaced text.</p>
</section>
</main>
<footer>
<p>© 2024 MyWebsite. All rights reserved.</p>
</footer>
</body>
</html>