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What does the “href” attribute specify in an anchor tag?

Last Updated : 21 Feb, 2024
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The “href” attribute in an anchor <a> tag specifies the URL (Uniform Resource Locator) of the destination page or resource that the link points to. It defines the hyperlink’s target location, allowing users to navigate to another web page, document, or resource when they click on the link.

Syntax

<a href="URL">Link Text</a> 
Key Point Description
Destination URL The value of the “href” attribute should be a valid URL, including the protocol (e.g., “http://”, “https://”, “mailto:”)
Relative vs. Absolute URLs The URL can be specified as a relative path or an absolute path, depending on whether the destination is within the same website or external.
Anchor Links Besides URLs, the “href” attribute can also be used to create anchor links within the same page by referencing the ID of another element.
Empty href If the “href” attribute is empty or omitted, the anchor tag acts as a placeholder or a trigger for JavaScript events, but it won’t navigate to a different page.

Features

  • The “href” attribute plays a crucial role in defining the target destination of hyperlinks, facilitating seamless navigation between web pages and resources.
  • It enables developers to create intuitive and interactive user interfaces by linking related content within the same website or to external sources.
  • Hyperlinks with the “href” attribute enhance the accessibility and usability of web pages, providing users with convenient navigation options.

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