The ismap attribute in <img> tags is used to specify an image as a server-side image map. This attribute indicates that the image should be treated as an image map, allowing clickable regions within the image to be defined by server-side scripting.
Syntax
<img src="image.jpg" ismap>-
"image.jpg"is the URL of the image file.
| Key Point | Description |
|---|---|
| Server-side Image Map | The ismap attribute indicates that the image should be treated as a server-side image map, with clickable regions defined by server-side scripting. |
| Clickable Regions | Server-side scripting is used to define clickable regions within the image, allowing users to interact with specific areas of the image. |
| Compatibility | While still supported in some browsers, server-side image maps have become less common with the rise of client-side image maps using the “usemap” attribute. |
| Accessibility | Care should be taken when using server-side image maps to ensure accessibility for users with disabilities, including providing alternative text and keyboard navigation options. |
Features
-
Basic Usage: Add the “ismap” attribute to the
<img>tag to indicate that the image should be treated as a server-side image map. - Clickable Regions: Define clickable regions within the image using server-side scripting, such as CGI scripts or server-side languages like PHP, to process user interactions and responses.
-
Alternative Approach: While server-side image maps using “ismap” are still supported, client-side image maps using the “usemap” attribute combined with an associated
<map>element have become more common due to their greater flexibility and ease of implementation.