HTML Symbols

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What Are HTML Symbols?

HTML Symbols are characters that cannot be typed directly on a keyboard. They are represented using predefined codes in HTML, known as character entities. These symbols are used to display special characters or to ensure cross-browser compatibility.

Each symbol in HTML is identified by:

  1. Entity Name (e.g., € for the Euro sign)
  2. Entity Number (e.g., € for the Euro sign)

Why Use HTML Symbols?

  1. To Display Special Characters: Symbols like ©, ™, or ∞ cannot be typed directly in HTML.
  2. For Compatibility: Using symbols ensures consistent rendering across different browsers.
  3. For Readability: HTML symbols clarify your code by representing characters explicitly.
  4. To Enhance Visual Appeal: Symbols like arrows, shapes and emojis can improve the design and readability of web pages.

Syntax of HTML Symbols

The syntax of an HTML symbol is similar to that of HTML entities:

&entity_name;  
or  
&#entity_number;

Commonly Used HTML Symbols

Here’s a list of some widely used HTML symbols:

SymbolDescriptionEntity NameEntity Number
©Copyright©©
®Registered Trademark®®
€Euro Currency€€
£Pound Currency££
¥Yen Currency¥¥
→Right Arrow→→
≤Less Than or Equal≤≤
≥Greater Than or Equal≥≥
∞Infinity∞∞

Types of HTML Symbols

1. Currency Symbols

Currency symbols are used to represent different currencies like dollars, euros, and yen.

Example:

<p>Prices: $50, &euro;45, &pound;40</p>

Output:
Prices: $50, €45, £40

2. Mathematical Symbols

Mathematical symbols include operators like plus, minus, greater than, less than, and infinity.

Example:

<p>Math Symbols: 5 &lt; 10, 5 &le; 10, 5 &ne; 6</p>

Output:
Math Symbols: 5 < 10, 5 ≤ 10, 5 ≠ 6

3. Arrows

Arrows are often used for navigation or indicating directions.

Example:

<p>Navigate: &larr; Back &rarr; Forward</p>

Output:
Navigate: ← Back → Forward

4. Special Characters

Special characters include symbols like trademarks, copyrights, and ampersands.

Example:

<p>&copy; 2024 MyWebsite. All rights reserved. &reg;</p>

Output:
© 2024 MyWebsite. All rights reserved. ®

5. Shapes and Emojis

Shapes and emojis can enhance the design and interactivity of a web page.

Example:

<p>Shapes: &hearts; &spades; &clubs; &diams;</p>

Output:
Shapes: ♥ ♠ ♣ ♦

How to Use HTML Symbols

  1. Enhance Readability: Use symbols to break monotony in text-heavy pages.
  2. Convey Meaning: Use arrows and mathematical symbols for directions and formulas.
  3. Support Localization: Represent different currencies to support global audiences.

Full HTML Example with Symbols

<!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 about HTML symbols, including special characters, currency, and mathematical symbols. Understand their usage with examples.">
    <meta name="keywords" content="HTML symbols, special characters, HTML examples">
    <title>HTML Symbols: Complete Guide</title>
</head>
<body>
    <header>
        <h1>HTML Symbols Guide</h1>
    </header>

    <main>
        <section>
            <h2>Introduction</h2>
            <p>HTML symbols are used to display special characters like ©, €, or mathematical operators like ≤ and ≥.</p>
        </section>

        <section>
            <h2>Examples</h2>
            <p>Currency Symbols: $ &euro; &pound;</p>
            <p>Math Symbols: 5 &lt; 10, 5 &le; 10</p>
            <p>Arrows: &larr; Back &rarr; Forward</p>
            <p>Shapes: &hearts; &spades; &clubs; &diams;</p>
        </section>
    </main>

    <footer>
        <p>&copy; 2024 MyWebsite. All rights reserved. &reg;</p>
    </footer>
</body>
</html>

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