How is HTML and DHTML different?


Both HTML (HyperText Markup Language) and DHTML (Dynamic HTML) offer unique characteristics. DHTML mixes HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to introduce dynamic and interactive components, whereas HTML defines web page structure statically. Without having to reload the page, DHTML enables user interaction, animations, and real-time content modifications. DHTML's dynamic characteristics, in contrast to HTML's static nature, improve site construction and offer more interesting and interactive web experiences.

HTML

Websites rely heavily on HTML (HyperText Markup Language) to efficiently organise and deliver internet content. It defines headings, paragraphs, images, and links using a variety of tags, allowing for the proper structuring of text and multimedia. Static web pages can be easily created thanks to HTML's simplification of web development. HTML has a key role on the World Wide Web as developers and designers actively use it to produce interesting and educational content online.

Example

<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>
<head>
   <title>Page Title</title>
</head>
<body>
   <h1>Heading 1</h1>
   <p>This is a paragraph.</p>
   <ul>
      <li>Item 1</li>
      <li>Item 2</li>
      <li>Item 3</li>
   </ul>
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</body>
</html>

DHTML

DHTML (Dynamic HTML) actively combines JavaScript, CSS, and HTML to create interactive and dynamic web content. DHTML enables real-time page updates and modifications without the requirement for page reloads. JavaScript increases interactivity by reacting to user input, enabling animations, and dynamically changing page elements. CSS improves the visual display by enabling developers to dynamically apply styles and layouts. Through responsive and interactive capabilities, DHTML actively engages users, enhancing the user-friendliness and dynamic nature of web experiences. It gives developers the ability to build cutting-edge, dynamic websites that go beyond static content and actively improve user experience when surfing.

Example

<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>
<head>
   <style>   
      .interactive-button {
         background-color: #3498db;
         color: #fff;
         padding: 10px 20px;
         border: none;
         border-radius: 5px;
         cursor: pointer;
      }   
      .interactive-button:hover {
         background-color: #2980b9;
      }
   </style>
</head>
<body> 
   <button class="interactive-button">Click Me</button>
</body>
</html>

Components of DHTML

  • HTML − With tags for headings, graphics, links, forms, and more, HTML is the base of DHTML, organises web pages.

  • CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) − By enabling font, colour, margin, padding, and visual modifications on web pages, CSS regulates the presentation of HTML elements.

  • JavaScript − JavaScript is a potent scripting language that gives web sites more interactivity. It enables the creation of animations, handling of events, calculations, and dynamic HTML and CSS manipulation.

  • DOM (Document Object Model) − The DOM is an XML and HTML document programming interface. A web page's structure is shown as a tree of objects, giving JavaScript access to and control over the page's elements, attributes, and content.

  • Event Handling − DHTML uses event handling to react to user inputs such form submissions, mouse movements, clicks, and keyboard inputs. Event listeners are attached to HTML elements using JavaScript to cause particular actions.

  • Dynamic Content − DHTML makes it possible for web pages to dynamically update their content without having a complete page reload. It permits partial page refreshes and real-time updates for a more responsive user experience.

  • Animations and Transitions − Smooth animations and transitions may be made for items on a web page using JavaScript and CSS, which improves the aesthetic appeal and user engagement.

  • AJAX (Asynchronous JavaScript and XML) − It’s a DHTML method that allows data to be exchanged with the server in the background without requiring a page reload. Asynchronous communication is made possible, resulting in more responsive and engaging web applications.

  • Responsive Web Design − DHTML and CSS work together to let developers construct responsive web designs that can change to fit various screen sizes and devices while maintaining a consistent user experience.

Difference Between HTML & DHTML

Objective

HTML

DHTML

Definition

HyperText Markup Language is what HTML stands for. The structure and content of web pages are created using this common markup language.

Dynamic HTML is referred to as DHTML. It is a blend of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript rather than a distinct language. DHTML enables interactive and dynamic features on web pages.

Interactivity

HTML is a static language that offers the fundamental framework for a web page. It cannot provide dynamic elements or real-time changes and is not interactive.

DHTML promotes interaction actively. With HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, dynamic components, animations, and user interactions may be created without requiring a page reload.

Components

In HTML, headings, paragraphs, photos, links, tables, and forms are organised using tags to define the structure of a web page.

DHTML mixes HTML with JavaScript for interactivity and CSS for styling. It enables programmers to dynamically adjust and change a page's presentation and content.

User Experience

HTML offers a simple, static online experience in which visitors mostly read the material on the page without making any other direct connections.

By providing dynamic elements, responsive designs, animations, and interactive features that react to user activities, DHTML substantially improves user experience.

Page Loading

With HTML, a page must be completely refreshed in order to update content or view changes, which could cause delays and interfere with the user experience.

DHTML enables real-time changes and partial page updates, minimizing the need for full page reloads and enabling more fluid and seamless user interactions.

Which is Better ( HTML or DHTML )?

The particular requirements and objectives of a web development project determine whether HTML or DHTML should be used. Both have their advantages and fulfil various functions −

Web pages' static content and structure must be created using HTML. It is appropriate for websites that call for simple information presentation without a lot of interaction. HTML is a suitable option if the project's goal is to distribute content with little user interaction or real-time updates. HTML is also widely supported by all browsers and is comparatively simple to implement.

DHTML, on the other hand, provides more dynamic material and improved interactivity. It is perfect for developing responsive user interfaces, animations, and interactive online applications. DHTML + JavaScript may be a preferable option if the project calls for a more interactive and engaging user experience with real-time updates and dynamic elements.

Therefore, there is no unambiguous "better" choice between HTML and DHTML. The choice ought to be made in light of the particular goals and requirements of the web development project. HTML is adequate for straightforward static websites, but DHTML is better suited for interactive and dynamic online applications. To balance the presentation of content and user interaction, modern web development frequently uses both HTML and DHTML.

How HTML is Better than DHTML?

  • Presentation of Static Content − HTML is more logical and effective to utilise if the website's main objective is to offer static content with little to no interactivity. In some circumstances, the increased complexity of DHTML might not be required.

  • SEO and accessibility − Screen readers and search engines can navigate HTML's structure more easily and clearly. HTML's simplicity is advantageous for websites with plenty of content that priorities SEO (Search Engine Optimization) and accessibility.

  • Rapid Development − Using simple HTML helps hasten the development process in circumstances where time and resources are constrained. DHTML demands more time and effort to implement and test due to its interactivity and dynamic elements.

  • Legacy System Compatibility − DHTML and its JavaScript-based capabilities may not be fully supported by some older web browsers or systems. In these situations, choosing HTML guarantees better compatibility with a wider number of platforms.

  • Minimal User Interaction − HTML offers a simpler and more effective solution without the requirement for JavaScript if user interaction and real-time updates are not essential for the goals of the website.

  • Low Resource Requirements − Compared to DHTML sites with dynamic scripting and animations, HTML pages often have lower resource requirements, load faster, and are lighter in weight.

How DHTML is Better than HTML?

  • Interactivity − DHTML's support for interactive components, animations, and real-time updates makes it perfect for developing dynamic user experiences that go beyond static content.

  • User Engagement − Web designers can utilise DHTML to construct interactive forms, sliders, accordions, and other components that promote user involvement and engagement, making surfing more enjoyable.

  • Real-time updates − DHTML enables partial page updates without requiring a complete page reload. This is especially useful for web applications like chat programmed or social media feeds that need real-time data changes.

  • Rich Media Content − DHTML allows for the creation of aesthetically beautiful and interactive content, boosting the overall appeal of a website. It can combine multimedia components like audio and video players.

  • Animations and Transitions − DHTML gives developers the ability to include animations, transitions, and effects in web elements, enhancing the aesthetic appeal and modernity of the website.

Conclusion

In conclusion, developers actively pick DHTML over HTML to produce dynamic, interactive web experiences. HTML is preferred for delivering static content. Depending on the needs of the project, one of them may be chosen. While DHTML actively promotes user interaction with real-time updates, animations, and interactive features, making it perfect for creating contemporary online apps, HTML effectively supports straightforward, static websites.

Updated on: 18-Aug-2023

1K+ Views

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