Difference Between HTML and DHTML

Introduction

HTML (Hypertext Markup Language) and DHTML (Dynamic Hypertext Markup Language) are two foundational technologies that underpin the creation and functionality of web pages. While both are integral to web development, they serve distinct purposes and offer different capabilities.

Both are the markup languages that are used to create and show static or dynamic web pages, depending on which language we use. HTML crafts static web page layouts, while DHTML produces dynamic pages with animations and interactive menus, enhancing user experience.

What is HTML?

HTML stands for Hypertext Markup Language and was introduced in 1991 by British computer scientist Tim Bernes-Lee.

HTML is used to create static web pages. Static webpages mean that HTML can only be used to display the data but transportation of data can not be done. We can imagine HTML webpages as a skeleton of a website that shows the structure of the website. HTML can only deal with the manipulation of the front end but can not deal with the backend operations such as storing in the database and sending data. HTML is not a case-sensitive language, even though some values or variables can be case-sensitive.

Syntax

<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>
<head
  <title>Ninja Tutorial</title>
</head>
<body>
  <h1> Welcome to Coding Ninjas </h1>
  <h2> This is an article <h2>
  <br />
  <p> This article teaches HTML and DHTML </p>
</body>
</html>

What is DHTML?

DHTML stands for Dynamic Hypertext Markup Language. DHTML is not a language or technology. DHTML is a combination of some technologies that help us create dynamic and interactive web pages.

In the 1990s, This combination of technologies called DHTML became famous among developers. Because DHTML provides more features than just an HTML web page. As we know, HTML can only be used to handle the front-end operations, but DHTML can handle the back-end operations.

There are some components of DHTML:

HTML 4.0: HTML 4.0 was released in 1997, and HTML 4.0 is the fourth version of HTML. HTML 4.0 became the root component of DHTML.
CSS: CSS stands for Cascading Style Sheets that can be used to design HTML elements that lead to the designing of web pages.
JavaScript: It is a scripting language that is used to create interactive web pages. HTML elements can manipulate and control with the help of JavaScript.
DOM: DOM stands for Document Object Model, which acts like a programming interface for web pages. DOM is an important part of both HTML and DHTML.

Syntax

<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>
<head>
    <title>DHTML Syntax by Ninja</title>
</head>
<body>
    <h2>You are the best Ninja</h2>
    <br />,
    <script type="text/javascript">
        document.write("Learn anything from Coding Ninjas");
    </script>
</body>
</html>

DHTML was essential in the growth of the web, allowing web designers and developers to create more interactive and responsive user interfaces. DHTML elevated static web pages from the past by utilizing the strengths of HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and DOM to create animations, dynamic content updates, and interactive components.
Also Read, Front End Web Development

Components of DHTML

HTML 4.0

It stands for a Hypertext Markup Language
It is used to give structure to our webpage
HTML 4.0 is an HTML version with several new features like scripting languages, style sheets, multimedia options, and better printing facilities

CSS

CSS stands for Cascading Styles Sheet
It manages the alignment, size, and border of images in blogs and posts
It functions as a set of instructions that provide our website structure and aesthetic
By constructing HTML tags, CSS adds style to our homepage
It enhances our website's fonts, colors, and layouts
We can also make animations with CSS by utilizing "@keyframes." It is used to manage transitional phases of a CSS animation sequence

JavaScript

Javascript enables us to dynamically add features and interactivity to our web pages
It helps us in carrying out difficult tasks
We can enable website visitor interactivity by using Javascript
A document's contents can be loaded without reloading the website
Javascript makes using plugins more accessible. They increase a website's functionality

DOM (Document Object Model)

It is a tool for accessing and modifying HTML components in programs
We can interact with a webpage's content and structure using DOM
A document object model is built by the browser when a webpage is loaded
The HTML DOM model resembles an object tree
Javascript gains the ability to generate dynamic HTML by using the document object concept. Therefore javascript can change all the HTML elements and attributes, CSS styles, remove existing HTML elements and attributes

How to Differentiate Between HTML and DHTML?

1. Static vs. Dynamic Content:

HTML: HTML (Hypertext Markup Language) is primarily used for creating static web pages with fixed content and layout. It defines the structure and presentation of web documents.

DHTML: DHTML (Dynamic Hypertext Markup Language) enables the creation of dynamic and interactive web pages by combining HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. It allows for the manipulation of HTML elements in real-time, enabling effects such as animations and user interactions.

2. Client-Side Interactivity:

HTML: HTML is a static markup language that is processed by the browser to render web pages. It lacks built-in capabilities for client-side interactivity beyond basic hyperlinks and forms.

DHTML: DHTML leverages client-side scripting languages like JavaScript to provide interactive features such as dynamic content updates, mouse events, and DOM manipulation. It enables developers to create rich and engaging user experiences within the browser.

3. Browser Support:

HTML: HTML is supported by all modern web browsers and is considered the standard markup language for web development.

DHTML: DHTML relies on browser support for JavaScript and CSS, with varying levels of compatibility across different browsers. Advanced DHTML effects may not be supported in older or less capable browsers.

4. Development Complexity:

HTML: HTML is relatively straightforward and easy to learn, making it suitable for beginners and simple web pages.

DHTML: DHTML introduces additional complexity due to the integration of JavaScript and CSS for dynamic behavior. Developing DHTML-based applications requires proficiency in scripting and understanding of browser compatibility issues.

HTML vs DHTML

Basis	HTML	DHTML
Language Type	HTML is a client-side language and not a server-side language.	DHTML is a combination of both client-side and server-side languages.
Interactivity	HTML is used to create static web pages. Users can not interact with the websites.	DHTML is used to create dynamic web pages. Users can interact with the websites easily.
Technologies Used	HTML includes only a .html file where the web page's structure is present.	DHTML combines HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to create web pages.
Features	HTML helps users for displaying content on the web page, and links can also be created.	DHTML helps users to create interactive buttons and animations.
Browser Support	HTML is a basic web page that is supported by all browsers.	DHTML combines some technologies which may require some plugins, or else all browsers support DHTML.
Complexity	HTML is an easy language for beginners.	In DHTML, Developers need to learn various technologies, which can be complex for beginners.
Maintenance	As only the .html file is present; it's easier to maintain.	As DHTML is a combination, it's not easy to maintain all the files and components.
Database Connectivity	In HTML, Database Connectivity is not needed.,	In DHTML, Database Connectivity is not needed.

Also see, loop and while loop

HTML and DHTML in Practice

HTML and DHTML are both fundamental technologies in web development, each serving distinct purposes and offering unique capabilities.

HTML: In practice, HTML is used for creating static web pages with fixed content and layout. It defines the structure and presentation of web documents, including elements such as headings, paragraphs, images, and links. HTML provides the foundation for displaying information on the web and is essential for creating accessible and SEO-friendly websites.
DHTML: On the other hand, DHTML is employed for developing dynamic and interactive web pages that respond to user actions in real-time. By combining HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, DHTML enables developers to create engaging user experiences with features like animations, pop-up menus, interactive forms, and dynamic content updates. DHTML is commonly used in web applications, online games, multimedia presentations, and other interactive web projects.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which type of language is HTML?

HTML is a Markup Language that is a type of client-side that is used to create static web pages. The .html is the file extension to create the HTML file. HTML is used to create the layout of the web page.

Which type of language is DHTML?

DHTML can be considered a technology and is a combination of some technologies that includes both client-side and server-side languages. DHTML consists of a combination that can be used as a frontend and a backend. DHTML can have multiple files, such as .html, .js, and .css files.

What are the components of DHTML?

There are some components that are technologies themselves; DHTML is a combination of these components. There are the four components of DHTML are the following:

HTML 4.0
CSS
JavaScript
DOM.

When HTML and DHTML were first introduced?

HTML was first introduced by the British computer scientist called Tim Bernes-Lee in the year 1991.

DHTML is not any specific language but a combination, so DHTML became famous in the 1990s. Developers began by experimenting with combining HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.

What is the main difference between HTML and DHTML?

HTML (Hypertext Markup Language) is static, defining the structure of web pages, while DHTML (Dynamic Hypertext Markup Language) enables dynamic, interactive web content through JavaScript and CSS manipulation.

What is the difference between HTML and XHTML?

HTML (Hypertext Markup Language) follows a more lenient syntax, while XHTML (Extensible Hypertext Markup Language) enforces stricter rules and is based on XML, offering better compatibility with XML tools.

Conclusion

Both HTML and DHTML are two markup languages; we use HTML for only the front end and DHTML for both frontend and backend development. We discussed how HTML and DHTML are different from each other. We also discussed HTML and DHTML, the components of DHTML, and the difference between HTML and DHTML.

If you want to start with HTML from scratch, I recommend you look at this: A step-by-step walkthrough of your first HTML page.

Do check out The Interview Guide for Product Based Companies as well as some of the Popular Interview Problems from Top companies like Amazon, Adobe, Google, Uber, Microsoft, etc., on Coding Ninjas Studio.