July 21, 2025
If you’re preparing for an upcoming HTML interview, you already know that HTML is the foundation of the web. In fact, it’s the language that powers over 95% of all websites you visit, and is essential to web development. That’s right – it’s not just important, it’s everywhere.
Moreover, you might have heard the advice to ‘master HTML first’ before diving into more complex web technologies. There's a good reason for that. As per a 2024 Stack Overflow survey, over 53% of professional developers still use HTML regularly, making it one of the most-used languages worldwide.
Therefore, if you’re looking to build a career in web development, mastering HTML interview questions for freshers is an absolute must. However, we understand that you might be feeling a little overwhelmed by the sheer volume of HTML topics to cover for your interview. But don’t worry, I’ve got you covered.
In this comprehensive article, we’ll break down all HTML interview questions for freshers step by step and offer you clear answers for each. Plus, we’ll also share some tips for answering these questions effectively, so you can impress your interviewers and stand out from the crowd.
TL;DR (Key Takeaways)
HTML stands for HyperText Markup Language. It is the standard markup language used to create and design web pages and web applications. HTML provides the basic structure for web documents by using a system of tags and attributes to define elements such as headings, images, and more. This structure allows browsers to render content in a readable and organized manner.
Initially developed by the CERN physicist, Tim Berners-Lee, in 1991, it was designed to structure documents on the World Wide Web. Since then, it has undergone tremendous changes to incorporate more features and become the standardized framework for web development. Today, HTML enables richer and more interactive web experiences.
From static personal blogs to complex e-commerce platforms, HTML is the essential building block for all web-based projects. HTML serves as the backbone of web development, enabling developers to:
Understanding these uses is crucial for building effective and user-friendly web applications.
Now that we've established a solid understanding of HTML, it's essential to recognize why recruiters emphasize HTML interview questions for freshers.
When you're preparing for an interview, it's essential to understand why recruiters ask HTML questions, even in an era dominated by advanced frameworks like React and Angular. These questions actually help them evaluate your foundational skills and understanding of web development principles.
Here's why recruiters emphasize on asking about HTML during interviews:
Having established the importance of HTML in web development, it's time to dive into specific questions that you might encounter in an interview.
As a fresher preparing for an HTML interview, it's important to get a strong grip on the fundamentals. Recruiters will often pose questions that will assess your understanding of the core concepts needed for building solid web pages.
Here are some common beginner-level HTML interview questions for freshers that you must prepare answers for.
Sample Answer
“HTML stands for HyperText Markup Language. It is the standard language used for creating and structuring content on the web. The term ‘hypertext’ refers to the links that connect one document to another, enabling easy navigation across the internet. ‘Markup’ refers to the way HTML uses tags to structure content and specify how elements should be displayed. As a web developer, I use HTML to format content and define elements such as headings, paragraphs, images, and links. HTML helps me provide the foundation for any webpage or web application.”
Sample Answer
“The primary purpose of HTML in web development is to structure and organize content on a webpage. It acts as the foundation upon which my entire website is built. Without HTML, browsers wouldn’t know how to interpret or display the content on my page. Essentially, HTML defines the skeleton of my webpage, ensuring that various elements like text, images, links, and multimedia are properly arranged.
Key purposes of HTML include:
In short, HTML serves as the backbone of any website, helping me organize content for both users and search engines.”
Sample Answer
“An HTML element refers to the entire structure of a piece of content, which includes the opening tag, the content inside, and the closing tag. For example, in <p>This is a paragraph</p>, the entire structure is the element. On the other hand, an HTML tag is the markup language that defines an element. Tags are the part enclosed in angle brackets, such as <p> or <div>. I can say that tags are the building blocks used to create HTML elements, but an element is the entire functional block, including content.”
Sample Answer
“To create a simple HTML page, I begin by defining the document type using the <!DOCTYPE html> declaration. Then, I use the <html> tag to wrap the entire content. Inside the <html>, the <head> section contains metadata like the title and links to stylesheets or scripts. I place the main content of the page inside the <body> tag. Let me show you with the help of a simple code.
<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>
<head>
<title>My First Web Page</title>
</head>
<body>
<h1>Welcome to My Web Page</h1>
<p>This is a paragraph of text.</p>
</body>
</html>
I use this structure as the foundation for creating all web pages.”
Sample Answer
“HTML attributes are additional information provided within the opening tag of an element. They define the properties or characteristics of an element, such as the source of an image or the target of a hyperlink. For instance, in the <img src="image.jpg" alt="Description of the image"> tag, src and alt are attributes. The src attribute specifies the path to the image, and alt provides alternative text for accessibility. As a developer, I use attributes to control an element’s behaviour, appearance, or interactivity, making them essential for customizing HTML elements.”
Sample Answer
“The DOCTYPE declaration is a critical part of my HTML document. It defines the version of HTML my page is using, which helps the browser understand how to render the page correctly. Essentially, it tells the browser which set of rules to follow when interpreting the document. The most common one is <!DOCTYPE html>, which indicates HTML5.
As I said, the DOCTYPE’s purpose is to ensure the document is rendered in standards mode, where the browser applies the latest rules for layout and rendering. Without it, the browser might switch to ‘quirks mode’, where it renders the page according to outdated rules. This can cause inconsistencies in layout and functionality, especially with modern CSS and JavaScript.”
Sample Answer
“The basic structure of an HTML document is quite simple and includes several essential components. My HTML document begins with the <!DOCTYPE html> declaration, which specifies that the document follows HTML5. After this, I use the <html> tag to wrap the entire content of the document.
Within the <html> element, there are two primary sections: <head> and <body>.
So, the basic structure of my HTML document looks like this.
<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>
<head>
<title>Document Title</title>
</head>
<body>
<h1>Heading of the Page</h1>
<p>Paragraph content goes here.</p>
</body>
</html>
All HTML documents follow this basic format.”
Sample Answer
“The <html> tag is the root element of an HTML document. It wraps all the content that is part of the web page. Everything inside the <html> tag is interpreted as part of the HTML document by the browser and rendered accordingly.
It serves as the container for both the <head> and <body> sections. The <html> tag doesn’t impact the visual layout but is important for the document structure. It ensures that all HTML elements are treated as part of the page. It also helps the browser determine where the HTML document begins and ends.”
Sample Answer
“The <head> section of an HTML document holds metadata, or ‘data about data’. This doesn’t appear on the web page itself, but is crucial for the functioning and description of the page. The <head> section contains:
The <head> section is essential for linking external resources, enhancing search engine optimization, and defining how the page is presented.”
Sample Answer
“The <title> tag defines the title of the HTML document, which is displayed in the browser's title bar or tab. It plays a crucial role in both user experience and SEO. When I add a title to a page, it helps users identify the page when switching between tabs. It also provides search engines with information about the content of the page.
For instance, in <title>Best Web Development Tutorials</title>, the browser tab will display ‘Best Web Development Tutorials’. This title will also be used by search engines when indexing the page.
<title> is one of the most important on-page SEO elements because it helps search engines understand what the page is about. It's also a key factor in attracting clicks in search engine results, contributing to better rankings.”
Sample Answer
“To add a main heading to my HTML document, I use the <h1> tag, which is the highest-level heading tag. It’s commonly used for the title or main heading of a webpage. For example:
<h1>Welcome to My Website</h1>
There are six heading levels available in HTML, from <h1> to <h6>, with <h1> being the most important and <h6> the least. Each heading level represents a decrease in the hierarchy and is typically used to structure the content in a clear, organized way. For instance, I’d use <h2> for subheadings and <h3> for subsections within those subheadings.
Using proper heading tags ensures that my content is structured in a meaningful way for both the users and search engines. It also helps with accessibility, as screen readers use these headings to navigate through the page’s content.”
Sample Answer
“The <body> tag is where all the visible content of the web page is placed. It contains everything that a user interacts with or sees on the screen. This includes text, images, links, forms, and any other elements that make up the user interface. Essentially, the <body> tag wraps around the main content of the webpage and is crucial for defining what the user will experience when they visit my page. Without the <body> tag, the browser wouldn’t know where to render the content, as the <head> section is used for metadata and other resources.”
Sample Answer
“The <p> tag is used to define a paragraph of text. It’s a block-level element, which means it automatically adds space before and after itself to visually separate paragraphs. The <br> tag, on the other hand, is a self-closing tag used to insert a line break within a block of text. It doesn’t create any extra space like the <p> tag does. I typically use it when I want to force content to appear on a new line, without starting a new block or paragraph.
The key difference is that the <p> tag is for paragraphs with space, while <br> is for simple line breaks within the same block of content.”
Sample Answer
“The <b> tag is used to apply a bold style to text, but it has no semantic meaning. It simply makes the text visually bold, and it doesn't convey any importance to the content.
On the other hand, the <strong> tag also makes text bold, but it carries semantic meaning. It indicates that the text is of strong importance. In addition to styling, <strong> helps with accessibility, as screen readers will emphasize the content. It’s often used for critical information, such as warnings or key points.
So, while both <b> and <strong> result in bold text, I prefer using <strong> when the bold text needs to convey significance or emphasis.”
Sample Answer
“The <i> tag is used to italicize text for stylistic purposes. It's often used for non-emphasized content, like titles of books, foreign words, or technical terms. The <em> tag, however, is used for text that should be emphasized, often with an intonation change when read aloud. It also italicizes the text but carries semantic meaning that indicates the content should be given emphasis. It's used to highlight important information. The key difference is that <i> is purely for visual styling, while <em> implies that the content is of particular importance, both visually and semantically.”
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Sample Answer
“The <div> tag is a block-level element used to group together larger sections of content. I use it when I need to apply styles or manipulate groups of elements together, without changing the content’s structure. It’s especially useful in layout design, such as creating containers for different sections of a webpage.
The <span> tag, on the other hand, is an inline element used for grouping smaller portions of text or elements that are within a block-level element. It does not start on a new line like the <div> tag does. I typically use it when I need to apply styles to a small section of text within a paragraph.
The key difference between them is that <div> is block-level and used for larger, structural content, while <span> is inline and used for smaller, localized content styling.”
Sample Answer
“No, an HTML document can only have one <head> tag and one <body> tag. The <head> tag is used to define metadata about the document, while the <body> tag contains the actual content of the page. If an HTML document contains more than one <head> or <body>, it would cause confusion for the browser. This can potentially lead to incorrect rendering or even browser errors.”
Sample Answer
“To create a horizontal line on a web page, I use the <hr> tag. The <hr> tag is a self-closing tag, meaning it doesn’t need an explicit closing tag. It creates a thematic break in the content, often used to separate different sections of a page. By default, it produces a simple, horizontal line across the width of its container. I can also style the horizontal line using CSS to adjust its color, thickness, and length.”
Sample Answer
“In HTML, to insert a hyperlink, I use the <a> tag, which stands for ‘anchor’. The most essential attribute for this tag is the href attribute, which defines the target URL that the hyperlink points to. Here’s how I add a simple hyperlink:
<a href="https://www.example.com">Click here to visit Example</a>
In this case, the text ‘Click here to visit Example’ will appear as a clickable link that takes the user to https://www.example.com when clicked. I can also add hyperlinks to link to other sections within the same page using anchor links.”
Sample Answer
“To add an image to a web page in HTML, I use the <img> tag. The most important attribute of this tag is the src (source) attribute, which specifies the path to the image file. Additionally, I always include the alt attribute for accessibility purposes to provide a text description of the image for users who rely on screen readers. Here’s how I would add an image:
<img src="image.jpg" alt="A description of the image">
Here ‘image.jpg’ is the source file for the image, and the alt attribute provides a description for accessibility reasons.”
Sample Answer
“In HTML, comments are used to add notes or explanations within the code, which are not displayed on the web page. I use comments to leave messages for myself or other developers who might work on the code later. Comments help make the code more understandable and maintainable, especially in larger projects.
To write a comment in HTML, I use the <!-- and --> syntax. Anything placed between these tags will be treated as a comment. For instance, <!-- This is a comment --> will add a comment. Comments are also useful when I want to temporarily disable certain parts of the code or provide context for complex sections of the code.”
Sample Answer
“The default file extension for HTML documents is .html. Saving HTML files with the .html extension ensures that browsers can identify and render them as web pages. For example, I would save an HTML file as index.html or about.html. Although .htm is also a valid extension (mainly used in older systems), the .html extension is more commonly used in modern development. When a user opens such a file in a browser, the browser automatically interprets the file as an HTML document and renders it accordingly.”
Sample Answer
“Semantic HTML elements are those that clearly describe their meaning in the context of the content they represent. Examples include <article>, <section>, <header>, <footer>, <nav>, and <aside>. These tags help me organize content logically and make it more accessible to users and search engines.
For instance, the <article> tag is used for independent, self-contained content like blog posts or news articles. Similarly, the <header> tag defines introductory content such as a website’s navigation links and branding.
Semantic HTML is crucial since it helps me enhance SEO and accessibility. For search engines, semantic elements help them better understand the structure and importance of content. From an accessibility perspective, semantic elements help screen readers interpret the page more easily. By using semantic elements, I'm making the code cleaner and more meaningful, which ultimately improves the usability and findability of my website.”
Sample Answer
“Empty elements are tags that don’t have any content between an opening and a closing tag. Common examples of empty elements include <img>, <br>, <hr>, and <input>. These elements perform specific functions like inserting images, breaking lines, creating horizontal rules, or handling form inputs. However, they don’t contain any child elements or text.
Container elements, on the other hand, are elements that can wrap around other content. These elements must have both an opening and a closing tag. For example, the <div> element is a container element that groups other elements together, and it can contain text, images, and other tags.”
Sample Answer
“The position attribute in HTML defines how an element is positioned on the web page. It can have several values, each controlling the positioning behaviour of the element. The permissible values for the position attribute include:
These values help me choose the correct positioning technique for various layout and design purposes.”
Sample Answer
“HTML and XHTML are both markup languages used to create web pages, but there are some important differences between them. The major difference is that XHTML is much more strict and requires code to conform to XML rules, while HTML is more forgiving. In practice, this means that XHTML ensures stricter compliance and consistency, which can be beneficial for large-scale projects where precision is important. However, HTML is still widely used, especially in modern web development, due to its flexibility and compatibility with older browsers.”
Now that we've covered the essential building blocks of HTML, let's dive into an equally important aspect: lists and navigation.
When you’re a fresher preparing for an HTML interview, it's crucial to understand how lists and navigation elements function within a webpage. Recruiters often focus on these elements to assess your ability to structure and organize content on a webpage.
Here are some essential HTML interview questions about lists and navigation that you should be well-prepared to answer.
Sample Answer
“In HTML, there are three primary types of lists that help me organize content in a structured manner. These are:
Each list type serves a unique purpose and provides a way to structure and present data effectively.”
Sample Answer
“To create a numbered list in HTML, I would use the ordered list (<ol>) tag. I’ll also enclose each item within the <li> tag. Items within this list are automatically numbered by the browser in the order in which they appear. I would use this type of list when I need to display a sequence, like instructions or steps that need to be followed in a particular order.
For example, if I were to outline a process like preparing a recipe, I would use a numbered list like this:
<ol>
<li>Preheat the oven to 350°F.</li>
<li>Mix the flour and sugar in a bowl.</li>
<li>Pour the mixture into a baking tin.</li>
<li>Bake for 30 minutes.</li>
</ol>
The main benefit of using an ordered list is that it visually conveys to the user that each item is part of a sequence, such as the steps in a tutorial, an ordered ranking, or a list of priorities.”
Sample Answer
“The key difference between an unordered list and an ordered list lies in how the items are displayed and the purpose of their usage. An unordered list displays items without any specific order, while the sequence of items is important in an ordered list. While the items in unordered lists are typically preceded by bullet points (or other markers), ordered lists number the items in ascending order. Some examples for unordered lists include product features, menu items, or a grocery list. On the other hand, ranking lists, cooking instructions, or step-by-step processes are some examples of ordered lists.”
Sample Answer
“A description list in HTML is used to group terms and their descriptions together. It is perfect for scenarios where I need to provide a glossary of terms, an FAQ section, or any content that requires pairing a term with its definition or explanation.
The three main tags used in a description list are:
For example, if I were to create a glossary for some technical terms, it would look like this:
<dl>
<dt>HTML</dt>
<dd>The standard language used to create web pages.</dd>
<dt>CSS</dt>
<dd>A style sheet used to style HTML elements on a webpage.</dd>
</dl>
Description lists are important for maintaining clarity and improving accessibility, especially in contexts where terms need to be explained in detail.”
Sample Answer
“To create a list item in HTML, I use the <li> tag, which stands for ‘list item’. It is used within any type of list, whether it is an ordered list, an unordered list, or a description list. Whether I'm creating a shopping list, a set of instructions, or a list of terms and definitions, the <li> tag is always used to define individual items in the list. Each list item is represented by a separate <li> tag.
<ul>
<li>Item 1</li>
<li>Item 2</li>
</ul>
In this case, I used the <ul> tag to create the unordered list, and the <li> tags to define the individual items within it.”
Sample Answer
“Nested lists are simply lists within lists. I can create nested lists when I need to display hierarchical or grouped data. For example, if I have a list of categories and subcategories, I can use nested lists to represent the structure.
To create a nested list, I place one list (either ordered or unordered) inside an <li> tag of another list. This creates a hierarchy where each item in the parent list can have its own list of child items, offering a clear and organized way to display complex data.
For example, let’s say I’m listing various types of food items and categorizing them into subgroups like fruits and vegetables.
<ul>
<li>Fruits
<ul>
<li>Apple</li>
<li>Banana</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Vegetables
<ul>
<li>Carrot</li>
<li>Spinach</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
These nested lists help me create menus, directories, or any content that has multiple levels of classification.”
Sample Answer
“Yes, absolutely. I can mix different types of lists together, and this is quite common when creating complex, structured content. For example, I can nest an ordered list within an unordered list, or vice versa, to create a more detailed structure. This allows me to combine the visual organization of both list types and represent data in a more hierarchical manner.
An example scenario where I would mix lists is in a task list with sub-tasks. I might use an ordered list to show the steps of a process. Within one of the steps, I could use an unordered list to list specific tasks. This lets me create a clear, structured view while maintaining the visual distinctiveness of each list type.”
As we go ahead, let’s explore more complex questions that assess the intermediate-level skills you must master as a web developer.
As you interview for slightly complex roles, recruiters will test your understanding of key concepts that go beyond basic structure. They’ll look for your ability to handle different aspects of HTML and assess your readiness to handle real-world web development challenges.
Here’s a few intermediate-level HTML interview questions you can expect to come across in your interview.
Sample Answer
“In HTML, elements can either be block-level or inline. Block-level elements, like <div>, <p>, and <h1>, take up the full width available in the parent container, always starting on a new line. They essentially stack vertically, meaning the next element will appear below the previous one. I use block-level elements when I need to structure my page into distinct sections.
On the other hand, inline elements like <span>, <a>, and <strong> only take up as much width as necessary and do not cause line breaks. This allows other elements to sit beside them on the same line. I typically use them when I want to apply styles or actions to specific parts of content without breaking the flow.”
Sample Answer
“Grouping elements in HTML is crucial for organizing and structuring content, especially when working with CSS and JavaScript. To group elements in HTML, I typically use the <div> tag for block-level grouping and the <span> tag for inline grouping.
The <div> tag is a container that I can use to wrap other elements. It helps me apply styles or organize content within specific sections. It doesn't add any semantic meaning to the content but is highly useful for layout purposes.
On the other hand, <span> is useful when I need to group inline elements, such as formatting a portion of text within a paragraph. For instance, if I want to highlight a sentence within a paragraph, I could wrap the sentence with a <span> tag. After that, I would apply styles like color or font weight.”
Sample Answer
“The <section>, <article>, and <div> tags are all used for grouping content, but differ in their purpose and meaning.
So, whenever I want to structure content meaningfully, I prefer <section> and <article>. I only use <div> when I don't need any semantic structure.”
Sample Answer
“The <header> and <footer> tags provide semantic meaning to a webpage, which is essential for SEO and accessibility.
I use these tags not just for structure but also to make my webpage more accessible and SEO-friendly.”
Sample Answer
“The <a> tag, which creates hyperlinks, supports several important attributes that control the behaviour and presentation of links. Some of the most commonly used ones include:
By mastering these attributes, I can control how links behave, improve accessibility, and ensure the correct targeting of content.”
Sample Answer
“The target attribute in the <a> tag specifies where the linked document should open. It plays an important role in controlling the user experience when navigating to other pages or websites. The most common values for the target attribute are:
I use target="_blank" most often when linking to external resources to keep users on my site while still providing access to other content.”
Sample Answer
“To include a video in an HTML page, I use the <video> tag, which allows me to embed video content directly. The <video> tag requires the src attribute to specify the video file path. Additionally, I include the controls attribute to provide the user with options like play, pause, and volume control. Here's a simple example:
<video controls>
<source src="movie.mp4" type="video/mp4">
Your browser does not support the video tag.
</video>
If the browser doesn't support the <video> tag, the text inside the element will be displayed as a fallback.
When it comes to adding audio, I follow a similar approach using the <audio> tag. It allows me to embed audio files, and, again, I use the controls attribute for basic playback control. Here's an example for embedding audio:
<audio controls>
<source src="audio.mp3" type="audio/mp3">
Your browser does not support the audio element.
</audio>
This gives users the ability to play, pause, and adjust the volume of the audio. Both elements are incredibly useful for creating multimedia-rich web pages.”
Sample Answer
“To make an image act like a hyperlink, I simply wrap the <img> tag with an <a> tag. This makes the image clickable, and when clicked, it will navigate to the URL specified in the href attribute of the <a> tag. Here’s how I would implement it:
<a href="https://www.example.com">
<img src="image.jpg" alt="Description of the image">
</a>
In this example, when a user clicks on the image, it will take them to https://www.example.com. The alt attribute is important for accessibility and SEO, as it describes the image to users who cannot see it. This is a great way to make images interactive on a webpage, especially when I need to display clickable visuals.”
Sample Answer
“To create an email link, I use the mailto: protocol within the href attribute of the <a> tag. This allows users to open their default email client with a pre-populated email address in the ‘To’ field. Here’s how I do that,
<a href="mailto:[email protected]">Send an Email</a>
When the user clicks on the link, their email client will open, ready for them to send an email to [email protected].
Similarly, for creating a phone number link, I use the tel: protocol in the href attribute. This enables users to click the link and initiate a call on their mobile device or open the dialer on a desktop. For instance,
<a href="tel:+1234567890">Call Us</a>
When users click on this link, their phone app will open, ready to dial the number provided. This is particularly useful for contact pages or mobile-friendly websites.”
Sample Answer
“An absolute URL is a full web address that includes the protocol (such as http:// or https://), the domain name, and the specific path to a resource. Absolute URLs are used when linking to resources outside of the current website. For example:
<a href="https://www.example.com/page.html">Visit Page</a>
Here, the URL is fully specified. Therefore, the link will always direct the user to www.example.com, regardless of where the current document is located.
A relative URL, on the other hand, specifies the path to a resource relative to the current document’s location. I use this type of URL when linking to resources within the same site or directory. For example:
<a href="page.html">Visit Page</a>
In this case, the browser will look for page.html in the same directory as the current page. I prefer to use them since they keep internal links portable, don't rely on the domain name, and are ideal for a single site.”
Sample Answer
“To embed another webpage within a webpage, I use the <iframe> tag. An <iframe> (inline frame) allows me to display another HTML document within the current document. I provide the src attribute to specify the URL of the webpage I want to embed. Here's an example:
<iframe src="https://www.example.com" width="600" height="400"></iframe>
In this example, the page from https://www.example.com will be displayed within the current webpage. The width and height attributes define the size of the embedded frame. I can adjust these values to fit the content. Using <iframe> is particularly useful when I want to include content like Google Maps, YouTube videos, or other external websites within my webpage.”
Sample Answer
“Both display: none and visibility: hidden are used to hide elements, but there is some difference between them.
display: none completely removes the element from the layout. This means that the element is not visible, and it doesn’t take up any space on the page. visibility: hidden, on the other hand, hides the element but still takes up space in the layout. So, the element is not visible to the user, but the area it occupies remains as is.
When using display: none, other elements will adjust to fill the space that the hidden element previously occupied. Conversely, the other elements won’t shift to fill the space when using visibility: hidden. I frequently use display: none when I want to hide an element and ensure the layout doesn’t break. However, I use visibility: hidden when I want to hide an element visually but still maintain the layout structure.”
Sample Answer
“Yes, I'm familiar with ARIA (Accessible Rich Internet Applications). ARIA is a set of attributes that can be added to HTML elements to enhance the accessibility of web pages. It’s particularly for users with disabilities who rely on assistive technologies like screen readers. This improves overall accessibility and ensures that everyone has a smooth experience on the website, regardless of their abilities.
ARIA roles are attributes I add to HTML elements to provide additional meaning and structure for assistive technologies. Here are a few ARIA roles that I commonly use:
Incorporating these ARIA roles ensures that my websites are accessible to all users and offers them a seamless experience.”
Now that we've covered some key intermediate-level concepts, it's time to assess another essential skill: working with tables in HTML.
As a fresher preparing for an HTML interview, you’ll likely face questions that assess your ability to handle data representation using tables. Tables are crucial for organizing and displaying structured data on web pages. So, naturally, recruiters will want to see if you understand how to implement them effectively.
Here are some key interview questions about tables that you should be ready to answer.
Sample Answer
“To create a table, I start by using the <table> tag, which serves as the container for the entire table structure. Inside this <table>, I define rows using the <tr> tag. I further define header cells or data cells using <th> for header cells and <td> for data cells within each row. Here’s how I do it:
<table>
<tr>
<th>Header 1</th>
<th>Header 2</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Data 1</td>
<td>Data 2</td>
</tr>
</table>
In this example,
Therefore, the <table> tag ensures that the content is structured in rows and columns, helping present data in an easily readable manner.”
Sample Answer
“In a table, the <thead>, <tbody>, and <tfoot> elements provide a clear structure by grouping different parts of the table into sections. These elements help improve accessibility and manage large tables.
By separating the table structure into these three sections, I improve the layout and make it easier to style and interact with the table programmatically.”
Sample Answer
“The <th>, <tr>, and <td> tags are fundamental to building a table in HTML, and each plays a specific role:
I use these tags in tandem to create a well-structured table that is easy to understand.”
Sample Answer
“To add a caption to a table, I use the <caption> tag, which provides a title or description for the table. The <caption> tag is placed directly inside the <table> tag, and by default, it appears above the table. Here’s how I do that:
<table>
<caption>Employee Salary Details</caption>
<tr>
<th>Name</th>
<th>Salary</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>John</td>
<td>5000</td>
</tr>
</table>
The caption serves to provide context for the table's content, helping users or screen readers understand the purpose of the data being displayed. It's especially important for accessibility, as it can describe the table’s content to assistive technologies.”
Sample Answer
“Both rowspan and colspan are attributes used to merge multiple cells in a table, but they serve different purposes:
rowspan - It allows a cell to span multiple rows. It is useful when one piece of data is repeated across rows, such as for categories in a table.
<td rowspan="2">Category</td>
colspan - This attribute allows a cell to span multiple columns. This is helpful when I need a cell to extend across several columns, like in a header.
<th colspan="3">Combined Header</th>
The main difference is that rowspan affects the vertical alignment (rows), while colspan affects the horizontal alignment (columns). In essence, both attributes help with the flexible layout of tables, reducing the need for multiple duplicate cells.”
Sample Answer
“Yes, to add borders to a table, I use the border attribute directly in the <table> tag for quick implementation. However, I prefer using CSS as it is more flexible and preferred for styling. Here’s how I would approach it using HTML:
<table border="1">
<tr>
<th>Header 1</th>
<th>Header 2</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Data 1</td>
<td>Data 2</td>
</tr>
</table>
Here, the border="1" attribute adds a simple 1-pixel border around the table and its cells.”
Having covered the essentials of HTML tables, let’s explore some HTML interview questions about another critical aspect: form handling and input elements.
Form handling and input elements are critical aspects of HTML that recruiters often assess to determine if you're comfortable with user interactions on web pages. When preparing for HTML interviews, it’s essential to know the nuances of HTML forms, how they work, and how to manage user input.
Here are a few HTML interview questions testing your knowledge of these aspects.
Sample Answer
“HTML forms are essential components for collecting user input on web pages. They are used to submit data such as text, selections, and files to a web server for processing. A form consists of various input elements, such as text fields, radio buttons, checkboxes, and buttons, which enable user interaction.
To create a basic form, I would use the <form> tag, which acts as a container for all the form elements. Here's how I would create a basic form in HTML:
<form action="submit_form.php" method="POST">
<label for="name">Name:</label>
<input type="text" id="name" name="name">
<input type="submit" value="Submit">
</form>
In this example, the action attribute specifies the URL to send form data. Additionally, the method attribute defines how the data will be sent, typically via GET or POST.”
Sample Answer
“The action and method attributes are two of the most important aspects of an HTML form, as they control how and where the form data is submitted.
The action attribute specifies the URL or the server endpoint that will process the form data. It’s the location where the form data will be sent when the user clicks the submit button. If left empty, the form submits to the same page.
<form action="submit_form.php" method="POST">
On the other hand, the method attribute defines how the form data will be sent to the server. The two most common methods are:
<form action="submit.php" method="POST">
In summary, the action specifies the destination, and the method determines how the data is sent.”
Sample Answer
“HTML5 introduced several attributes to enhance form validation directly in the HTML markup. These attributes provide a way to ensure that users enter valid data before submitting the form. Here are some of the most important ones:
These HTML5 attributes make it easier to validate user input without needing JavaScript. However, I always ensure that server-side validation is also implemented for added security.”
Sample Answer
“HTML provides a wide variety of input elements that enable users to interact with forms. These elements allow data collection in different formats, and they help create a rich, user-friendly experience. Here are some of the most commonly used input elements in HTML:
Each of these elements serves a unique purpose, and I always make sure to choose the right type based on the data being collected.”
Sample Answer
“To create a text input field, I use the <input> element with the type="text" attribute. It allows users to enter a single line of text. Here’s how I write the code for it:
<input type="text" name="username" id="username">
To limit the number of characters a user can enter, I use the maxlength attribute. This restricts the number of characters in the input field. For example, to allow a maximum of 10 characters, my code would be:
<input type="text" name="username" maxlength="10" id="username">
Additionally, I can also use the minlength attribute if I want to enforce a minimum length for the input field, ensuring users don’t submit too short responses.
<input type="text" name="username" minlength="5" maxlength="10" id="username">
By controlling the character length, I ensure that the entered data meets the required format and prevents excessively long or short inputs.”
Sample Answer
“Creating these form elements in HTML is pretty straightforward. Here’s how I would approach each one:
Password Field - To create a password field, I use the <input> tag with type="password". This ensures that the text entered will be hidden from view.
<label for="password">Password:</label>
<input type="password" id="password" name="password" required>
Checkbox Input - A checkbox input allows users to select one or more options. I create it with the <input> tag and type="checkbox".
<label for="terms">I agree to the terms and conditions</label>
<input type="checkbox" id="terms" name="terms">
Group of Radio Buttons - To create a group of radio buttons, I use the <input> tag with type="radio". I keep the name attribute for all radio buttons the same, since this ensures only one selection is made at a time.
<label for="male">Male</label>
<input type="radio" id="male" name="gender" value="male">
<label for="female">Female</label>
<input type="radio" id="female" name="gender" value="female">
Drop-down List - To create a drop-down list, I use the <select> tag along with <option> tags for the available options.
<label for="country">Choose a country:</label>
<select id="country" name="country">
<option value="india">India</option>
<option value="us">USA</option>
<option value="uk">UK</option>
</select>
Submit Button - A submit button is used to submit the form. I create it using the <input> tag with type="submit".
<input type="submit" value="Submit">
By using these simple tags, I can create functional and user-friendly input fields for a form.”
Sample Answer
“To group related form elements together, I use the <fieldset> tag. This tag helps visually group the form elements within a border, making the form more organized. I also use the <legend> tag inside <fieldset> to provide a label or title for the grouped elements. This method not only improves the visual layout but also enhances accessibility.
For example, if I have a form with personal information fields, I would group them as follows:
<form>
<fieldset>
<legend>Personal Information</legend>
<label for="name">Name:</label>
<input type="text" id="name" name="name">
<label for="email">Email:</label>
<input type="email" id="email" name="email">
</fieldset>
</form>
This approach gives clear context to users, making the form easier to navigate and fill out.”
Sample Answer
“The <label> tag is crucial for improving the accessibility and usability of my forms. It defines a label for an input element, allowing screen readers to properly announce the form’s fields to users with disabilities. By associating the label with the input field, it also makes the form easier to navigate for them.
To associate the <label> with an input field, I use the for attribute in the <label> tag, which must match the id of the corresponding input field. Here’s an example:
<label for="username">Username:</label>
<input type="text" id="username" name="username">
In this case, the for="username" in the <label> tag links it to the id="username" of the <input> tag. This makes the user experience smoother and more accessible.”
Sample Answer
“The key difference between <button> and <input type="submit"> lies in flexibility and content. The <button> tag is more flexible than the <input> tag. It allows me to add content inside the button element, such as text, HTML entities, or even images. On the other hand, the <input> tag with type="submit" is a self-closing tag and can only display the text specified in the value attribute.
Additionally, a <button> can also be used for other purposes, like triggering a custom action or closing a modal. However, <input>, though simpler, is less versatile compared to <button> as its function is predefined. Personally, I would choose <button> when I need more flexibility and <input type="submit"> when I want a quick, straightforward form submission button.”
Sample Answer
“A placeholder in an input field is a short, descriptive hint that shows the user what type of information is expected in that field. It appears as light gray text within the input field and disappears when the user starts typing. It's a helpful visual cue, especially for fields like email addresses or phone numbers.
As for the autocomplete attribute, I use it to control whether the browser should attempt to pre-fill fields with previously entered data. When set to on, the browser remembers form inputs (like names and email) to make filling out future forms quicker for the user. If set to off, the browser will not attempt to fill in any information, ensuring the form is filled out manually each time.”
Sample Answer
“The required attribute is what ensures a user must fill out a field before submitting the form. When added to an input field, it makes it mandatory for the user to enter a value before submitting the form. If the user leaves the field blank and tries to submit the form, the browser will prevent submission. It’ll also typically show a validation message, alerting the user to fill in the field. I find it a great way to enforce validation at the client side before the data is sent to the server.”
Sample Answer
“I use the <input> tag with the type="hidden" attribute to define a hidden field in HTML. Hidden fields allow me to store data that shouldn’t be visible to the user but can still be submitted as part of the form. I find it handy for passing data like session IDs and user preferences. Though the user doesn’t need to interact with them directly, the server needs them for processing.”
Next, let’s explore some questions that test your understanding of the new elements, attributes, and capabilities that HTML5 brings.
HTML5, the latest version of HTML, introduced several powerful new features that enhanced the structure, multimedia, and functionality of web pages. As a fresher preparing for an interview, you must understand these features in-depth since it’s more than likely that the recruiter will pose questions about them.
Here are some specific HTML5 questions that will give you a solid foundation for your next job interview.
Sample Answer
“HTML5 is the fifth major revision of the HTML standard. It introduces a range of new features and improvements that make web development more efficient and accessible. The major difference between HTML5 and its predecessors is its focus on multimedia support, new semantic elements, and improved web application features. It eliminates the need for third-party plugins like Flash for media playback, which was a significant pain point in older versions.
For instance, HTML5 provides native support for audio and video elements (<audio> and <video>) and better form elements. Moreover, it also provides API support for local storage and geolocation. It’s more mobile-friendly and responsive, improving the overall web experience.”
Sample Answer
“HTML5 introduced several new input types that make my forms more intuitive and user-friendly. These include:
These types help me improve both the user experience and data validation without the need for JavaScript.”
Sample Answer
“The <canvas> element is used to draw graphics on the fly using JavaScript. I mainly use it to render 2D shapes, graphs, or even complex animations. For example, I could use the <canvas> tag to draw a chart or a game object. On the other hand, the <svg> (Scalable Vector Graphics) element is used to define vector-based graphics for the web.
Unlike <canvas>, which requires scripting to create graphics, <svg> uses XML-based markup to define shapes. The primary difference is that <canvas> is pixel-based and ideal for dynamic rendering, while <svg> is vector-based and better suited for static images or graphics that need to scale without losing quality.”
Sample Answer
“HTML5 introduced a set of semantic elements that improve the readability and accessibility of a web page. These tags help define the structure of a document more meaningfully:
Using these tags enhances the organization and accessibility of my site’s content, making it more understandable for search engines and screen readers.”
Sample Answer
“Both <b> and <strong> make text bold, but they have different meanings in HTML. The <b> tag is a presentational element, simply making text bold without conveying any importance or emphasis. The <strong> tag, on the other hand, semantically indicates that the enclosed text is of strong importance or significance. It’s not just about style but meaning, and it’s useful for accessibility tools like screen readers, which will emphasize this text. So, while both make the text bold, <strong> conveys meaning beyond just presentation.”
Sample Answer
“In HTML5, I can define custom data attributes using the data- prefix. This allows me to store extra information directly within an HTML element without affecting its display or functionality. The syntax for a custom data attribute looks like this:
<div data-user="123" data-role="admin"></div>
Here, the element <div> contains two custom data attributes: data-user and data-role. These attributes can store any kind of information, like an ID or a role, which doesn’t necessarily need to be visible on the page.
I use custom data attributes when I need to associate data with specific elements without cluttering the page or interfering with the layout. They’re actually great for storing configuration values or metadata for JavaScript processing.”
Sample Answer
“The <script> tag is used to include JavaScript code within an HTML document or link to an external script file. It’s how I make my webpages interactive and dynamic. For instance, if I want to display a message or manipulate an element when a button is clicked, I’d use JavaScript within a <script> tag. Conversely, the <noscript> tag is used to provide fallback content for users who have disabled JavaScript in their browsers. It ensures that these users don’t miss out on crucial information, even if my page relies on JavaScript for its core functionality. In summary, <script> is for JavaScript, while <noscript> is for handling cases when JavaScript is disabled.”
Sample Answer
“The contenteditable attribute is used to make an element editable by the user directly in the browser. I can add contenteditable="true" to any element to let the user modify its content. This is useful in applications like text editors or any other interface where the user needs to interact with the page’s content directly.
The draggable attribute allows an element to be dragged and dropped within the webpage. Setting draggable="true" on an element makes it possible for the user to move it around. I use this attribute when implementing drag-and-drop functionality, for example, when rearranging list items or files in a file manager.
The spellcheck attribute specifies whether the browser should automatically check the spelling of text within an element. It’s particularly useful for input fields or text areas where users are entering data. By setting spellcheck="true", I enable the browser to underline misspelled words, offering suggestions.
These attributes enhance user interaction and provide better control over content and behaviour.”
Sample Answer
“Self-closing tags, also known as void elements, are HTML elements that don’t require a closing tag. Instead of having both an opening and closing tag like <div>...</div>, they are simply written with a single tag, often without a closing counterpart. In HTML5, these tags don’t need a slash (/) at the end of the tag, although it’s often included for compatibility with older XHTML standards.
Some common self-closing tags include <img>, <br>, <input>, and <hr>. These tags are useful because they simplify my code and reduce the number of unnecessary lines, making my HTML more concise and efficient.”
Sample Answer
“The autofocus attribute in HTML5 is a simple yet powerful feature that automatically focuses on an input field as soon as the page is loaded. For instance, when a user lands on a form, I can use <input type="text" autofocus> to make the first text field ready for user input right away. This enhances the user experience by saving them the effort of clicking into the field. It's especially useful in forms where the user needs to quickly start entering data.”
Sample Answer
“The data- attributes in HTML5 are a fantastic feature for embedding custom, non-visible data directly into HTML elements. These attributes allow me to store extra information about an element that can be easily accessed and manipulated with JavaScript.
For example, let’s say I’m creating a product list, and I want to store each item’s price without displaying it on the page. I could use a custom data attribute like <div data-price="25.99">Product 1</div>. Later, I can use JavaScript to access that data-price attribute to perform calculations or filter products based on their prices.
The key advantage of data- attribute is that I can store crucial metadata without interfering with my page’s layout. Essentially, it’s a clean and efficient way to attach extra data to elements for use by scripts.”
Sample Answer
“Microdata in HTML5 is a way of embedding structured data within an HTML document. It allows me to annotate elements with attributes like itemscope, itemprop, and itemtype to define specific pieces of data. By marking up the data this way, search engines can better understand and index the content, potentially showing rich snippets in search results. Microdata helps improve SEO and makes the web more interoperable by providing structured data that can be easily understood by both machines and humans.”
Sample Answer
“HTML5 has made it incredibly simple to implement native date pickers with the <input type="date"> element. This input type automatically provides a calendar-style date picker in browsers that support it. I just need to include the following:
<input type="date" name="birthdate" required>
This way, the browser will show a date picker interface for the user to select a date, which ensures a better user experience and accuracy. What's great about this is that the browser handles most of the work for me, including validation for proper date formatting. I don’t even need third-party libraries or complex JavaScript since HTML5 makes this straightforward and intuitive.”
Sample Answer
“HTML5 provides two ways to store data on the client side, localStorage and sessionStorage, both of which are part of the Web Storage API. The key difference between them is in their lifespan:
Both are key for building modern web applications that can store user preferences or session data locally.”
Sample Answer
“HTML5 has significantly improved accessibility by introducing several new semantic elements and attributes that help me create more inclusive websites. These include:
In addition, HTML5 supports keyboard navigation by making interactive elements like forms, buttons, and links more easily accessible via the keyboard. All these features help make web applications more accessible to a wider audience.”
Having covered the key questions about HTML5, it's time to explore some questions that assess your combined knowledge of HTML and CSS.
HTML and CSS work hand in hand to build visually appealing and functional websites. However, it’s crucial for you to understand the differences between them, especially when you’re preparing for an upcoming interview.
Let’s explore a few key questions that assess your knowledge of the distinction between HTML and CSS.
Sample Answer
“The main difference between HTML and CSS lies in their roles in web development. HTML is responsible for structuring content on a webpage. It defines what elements are present, like headings, paragraphs, links, images, and tables. It basically provides the skeletal framework of the webpage. On the other hand, CSS deals with the presentation and design of these elements. It defines how the elements should look, such as their color, size, layout, and positioning.
For instance, I use HTML to create a heading <h1> or a button <button>, while CSS is used to specify that the <h1> should have a blue color and the button should have a green background. Simply put, HTML is about ‘what’ the page contains, and CSS is about ‘how’ it looks.”
Sample Answer
“No, CSS cannot be used effectively without HTML. While CSS is a styling language, it needs HTML to work with because it applies styles to the HTML elements. For instance, I can’t apply a font-size or a color to an HTML <div> element unless the <div> exists in the HTML structure. CSS needs HTML as its target to specify how the elements should appear. In the absence of HTML, CSS has nothing to style, so it wouldn't serve any purpose. Essentially, HTML provides the content and structure, and CSS provides the look and feel. They are deeply interconnected, and one cannot function effectively without the other.”
Sample Answer
“HTML and CSS work hand-in-hand to create a fully functional and aesthetically pleasing webpage. I start by using HTML to create the basic structure of a webpage and define the content, such as headings, paragraphs, images, forms, and links. Once the HTML structure is in place, I then use CSS to apply styling rules to these elements, controlling how the content appears on the page.
Therefore, HTML provides the framework, while CSS gives it a polished, visually appealing design. So basically, without CSS, HTML would still be functional but displayed as plain text with no design or layout.”
Sample Answer
“To apply CSS styles directly within an HTML file, I use internal CSS. This involves placing the CSS code within a <style> tag inside the <head> section of the HTML document. By doing this, I can apply styles to the entire HTML document or specific elements within it without needing an external stylesheet. Here’s how I add CSS to my HTML file:
<head>
<style>
body {
background-color: lightblue;
}
p {
color: darkblue;
}
</style>
</head>
In this example, the CSS inside the <style> tag applies a light blue background to the body and adjusts the paragraph's font color to dark blue. Internal CSS is particularly useful for small projects or when I want to style just one specific page.”
Sample Answer
“Using inline CSS means applying styles directly to individual HTML elements using the style attribute. For example, <div style="color: red;">Hello</div>.
The pros of inline CSS are:
The cons are:
Overall, I would avoid inline CSS for larger projects or production websites, as it lacks flexibility and scalability.”
Sample Answer
“Separating HTML from CSS helps in creating cleaner, more maintainable code. With HTML for structure and CSS for styling, I can easily manage and update the design without touching the content. Separating them also makes the code more readable and less error-prone. It also improves reusability because I can apply the same CSS file to multiple HTML pages. For example, if I need to change the site’s background color, I only need to edit the CSS file, which will reflect across all pages. For all these reasons, I prefer to keep HTML and CSS separate.”
Now that we’ve covered these questions, it’s important to discuss some more advanced HTML questions to ensure you’re prepared for the more technical aspects, too.
As a fresher, you might find yourself facing more advanced HTML questions during an interview, especially if you're applying for positions that require a deeper understanding of web development. Recruiters use these questions to evaluate your knowledge of HTML and your ability to use it effectively in various real-world situations.
Let’s have a look at some of the common HTML questions recruiters ask in such interviews.
Sample Answer
“Global attributes in HTML are attributes that can be used with any HTML element. They help define elements' behaviour, accessibility, and styling across the page, regardless of the tag. Some commonly used global attributes include:
These global attributes improve usability and allow me to modify content dynamically.”
Sample Answer
“The DOM (Document Object Model) is an interface that browsers use to represent HTML documents as a tree structure. It allows scripts (such as JavaScript) to manipulate the content, structure, and styles of a webpage dynamically. HTML serves as the foundation for the DOM because it defines the structure of the web page, and the DOM is generated based on this structure. This DOM then allows me to access and modify HTML elements, add new ones, or delete them without having to reload the page.”
Sample Answer
“Responsive web design is the practice of creating web pages that look good and function well across all devices, from desktops to smartphones. HTML supports this by enabling flexible layouts using a combination of media queries, fluid grid layouts, and responsive images. I can simply use the <meta> tag in HTML to tell the browser how to scale the webpage on different devices. HTML also allows me to use relative units like percentages instead of fixed widths, making elements adjust to the screen size. Lastly, with the <picture> element and srcset attribute, I can serve different image sizes based on the user's device, ensuring images are optimized for all screen sizes.”
Sample Answer
“Clean, well-structured HTML is essential for maintainability, accessibility, SEO, and performance. When I write clean code, it’s easier for both me and other developers to work with it in the future. Here's why:
Some common mistakes I steer clear of while writing my HTML code are not closing tags properly and using incorrect alt attributes for images. Additionally, I make sure I don’t use non-semantic tags like <div> and <span> when there are more appropriate semantic tags.”
Sample Answer
“Validating HTML is important to ensure the markup adheres to standards, which improves browser compatibility and accessibility. There are various ways to validate HTML code:
Using any of these methods, I can validate my HTML code and ensure a clean code across the website.”
Sample Answer
“Optimizing the load time of a website is essential for a great user experience, improving SEO, and increasing conversion rates. Here are some techniques I employ to ensure a website loads as quickly as possible:
By applying these techniques, I ensure a faster, smoother experience for users and improve the site’s performance in search engines.”
Having covered all HTML interview questions for freshers, it’s only fair that we equip you with some practical tips to confidently answer these questions.
Preparing for an HTML interview can be overwhelming, but with the right approach, you can tackle it confidently. To help you prepare flawlessly, we’ve compiled some practical strategies to enhance your answers and help you stand out during your interview.
Preparing for HTML interview questions for freshers can feel overwhelming. However, with the right approach, you can turn this challenge into an opportunity to showcase your skills and land your desired job. The key to excelling in your interview lies in thorough preparation.
To ensure you're fully prepared, practicing your responses to common questions is crucial. This is where Topmate comes in!
Our platform offers mock interviews with industry experts, giving you the chance to practice in a simulated environment that mirrors the real thing. These sessions are designed to improve your response time, help you get comfortable with the interview process, and boost your confidence.
You can easily get expert feedback on your performance, ensuring you’re ready to tackle all questions confidently and accurately. Furthermore, we offer personalized mentoring and career advice to provide you with the edge needed to succeed.
Ready to stand out in your next HTML interview? Schedule your mock interview today and take the next step toward landing your dream job in web development.
