HTML (Hypertext Markup Language) forms the foundation of every web page. While popular tags like <div>, <p>, and <img> are commonly used, there's a world of lesser-known HTML tags that offer fantastic functionality. These underrated tags can simplify development, enhance accessibility, and improve the overall user experience. In this blog, we will explore some of these hidden gems and shed light on their practical applications.

<details> and <summary>: Creating Interactive Disclosure Widgets

The <details> and <summary> tags team up to create interactive disclosure widgets. These allow you to hide or show additional content, making web pages more user-friendly and organized. Ideal for FAQs, tutorials, or content with varying levels of detail, these tags enable visitors to access the information they're interested in without overwhelming the page.

<mark>: Highlighting Text for Emphasis

Sometimes, you need to highlight certain text for emphasis or attention. The <mark> tag comes to the rescue. It visually highlights the enclosed text, ensuring critical information stands out. This tag is particularly handy when displaying search results or critical points in articles.

<abbr>: Clarifying Abbreviations and Acronyms

The <abbr> tag is an accessibility superhero. It provides additional information about abbreviations and acronyms when users hover over them. By including the whole meaning of the abbreviation in the title attribute, you ensure that everyone, including those using screen readers, understands your content.

<cite>: Properly Citing Works

The <cite> tag might be underappreciated, but it's essential for semantic HTML. Use it to properly mark the title of a creative work, like a book, movie, or song. It not only imparts meaning to your content but also assists search engines in understanding and indexing your page.

<time>: Adding Date and Time Information

The <time> tag isn't just for displaying the current time. It's perfect for adding machine-readable date and time information to your content. Whether you're indicating when an article was published or the duration of an event, this tag helps search engines and applications understand your data better.

<small>: Subtle Text Styling

When you need to style text in a smaller font size without changing its significance, the <small> tag is your friend. Use it for disclaimers, copyright notices, or any secondary information that doesn't require primary attention but should still be legible.

<progress>: Representing Progress

The <progress> tag lets you visualize the completion progress of a task. Whether it's tracking the upload of a file, indicating the completion percentage of a course, or any other progress-related data, this tag adds a visual element that's both informative and user-friendly.

Conclusion:

While HTML has its headline tags and foundational elements, there's a world of underrated tags waiting to be discovered. These unsung heroes add semantic meaning, enhance accessibility, and improve the overall user experience of your web pages. By incorporating tags like <details>, <summary>, <mark>, <abbr>, <cite>, <time>, and <progress>, you're tapping into the full potential of HTML and making your content more valuable to both users and search engines. Embrace these hidden gems, experiment with their applications, and witness the transformation they bring to your web development projects. After all, it's the thoughtful use of these underrated tags that sets your content apart in the vast landscape of the web.