What is the purpose of HTML in web development?

The purpose of HTML (HyperText Markup Language) in web development is to define the structure of a web page. HTML serves as the backbone of a web page, providing the necessary framework that dictates how content is organized and displayed in a web browser. It uses a series of elements and tags to specify headers, paragraphs, links, images, lists, and other components that form the content of a web page, allowing browsers to render it correctly for users.

Understanding the structure created by HTML is essential because it determines how users will interact with the content and how elements are visually arranged. A well-structured HTML document enhances usability and accessibility, making it easier for both users and search engines to navigate and understand the content. In summary, HTML is fundamental for establishing the layout and organization of a web page, which is crucial for effective web development.