Either the front-end or back-end is where templates are generated. In modern times, the majority of websites implement templates in one form or another. Upon receiving a request, the server's templating engine compiles the required templates and transmits the finalized page to the browser. For client-side templating tasks not handled on the server, a front-end framework that accommodates templates or a designated templating library is employed.
Since React and other modern JavaScript frameworks have gained popularity, HTML and basic JavaScript are often overlooked. Nevertheless, JavaScript and plain HTML remain essential for constructing most websites. The "template" element in HTML5 provides developers with a dependable approach to template management within the browser. The HTML5 <template> element offers developers an effective means to handle templates within the browser, streamlining and enhancing the overall web development process.
In this guide, we'll explore HTML template elements, their application, as well as the pros and cons associated with them.
Meaning and Examples
When the website loads, certain HTML material that is concealed from the user is placed within the <template> tag as a container.
JavaScript can be employed to dynamically display the content within the <template> element.
If we possess HTML code that can be reused, we have the option to employ the <template> element once we explicitly call for it. To achieve this without relying on the template element, we need to script the HTML in JavaScript to prevent it from being displayed by the browser.
What does the Tag <template> Mean?
An HTML5 tag named "template" serves as a container for HTML code snippets that remain hidden upon initial website loading. It allows us to duplicate and insert this tag onto an HTML document. Due to its client-side nature, the information within the <template> remains hidden from users. The display of templates in the browser is deferred until activated using JavaScript. JavaScript is utilized to inject content onto a webpage from a template.
It can also prove beneficial when we aim to recycle identical content within our HTML file multiple times without any modifications.
Anywhere within the <head>, <body>, <frameset>, or <table> elements is acceptable for the <template> tag.
In HTML5, the template> tag is a recently introduced element.
Syntax:
<template>.........</template>
Web Template Types
Website templates are accessible for download in various formats, such as independent zip archives, integrated into a personalized web construction tool, or included in an HTML editing application. These templates may feature designs that are responsive, adaptive, static, or tailored for mobile devices. Common file extensions for these templates are .html, .htm, .php, and .asp. Regardless of the device being used, whether a desktop, tablet, or smartphone, the layout adjusts its width dynamically if designated as "responsive," ensuring optimal display on different screen sizes.
What can be Included in a Web Template?
The features that may be included in a design include text,.jpg,.png, or.gif pictures, jQuery and CSS3 animation, shopping carts, contact forms, dynamic image galleries and slideshows, a PDF download links page, and video players (including embedded Youtube videos).
When selecting a website template, it's essential to ensure that it includes the necessary features, scripts, and applications required for our specific web development endeavor. It's crucial to remember that website template designs and code can vary significantly depending on the provider. Customizing pre-designed pages is possible by incorporating text, stock images, scripts, and external plugins. Users have the option to modify the provided stock images or replace them with their individual .jpg files to suit the project's requirements.
Templates for the HTML markup are housed in a predefined <template> container. The browser disregards the content for syntax validation purposes, yet it remains accessible for potential usage in JavaScript to dynamically create fresh components.
Theoretically, we have the ability to craft any hidden element within HTML and employ it for containing HTML code. What sets <template> apart from others?
Initially, while it usually necessitates a proper enclosing tag, the content within can consist of any valid HTML code.
For example, we might add this particular row in the table: <tr>.
<template>
<tr>
<td>Contents</td>
</tr>
</template>
An Example for Template
<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>
<body>
<h1>Template Element Example</h1>
<p>To view the template element's concealed content, click the button below.</p>
<button onclick="showContent()">show content</button>
<template>
<h2>Flower</h2>
<img src="https://placehold.co/400x300/3498db/ffffff?text=Sample+Image" width="60" height="40">
</template>
<script>
function showContent() {
let temp = document.getElementsByTagName("template")[0];
let clon = temp.content.cloneNode(true);
document.body.appendChild(clon);
}
</script>
</body>
</html>
Output:
When we select the option to display content, an image of a flower is presented as depicted below.
Another Example of a Template Element
<!doctype html>
<html>
<head>
<title>HTML Page</title>
<meta name="description" content="HTML page">
<meta name="keywords" content="html example">
</head>
<body>
HTML content
</body>
</html>
Output:
Let's deconstruct it:
- Line 1: This special tag, which appears at the beginning of the page and specifies the kind of code being used, is used to identify the type of code.
- The HTML page is opened and closed by the HTML tags on lines 2 and 12. The paper includes all of its contents.
- The head tags on lines 3 and 7 specify where the document's head will appear. Items below are supplemental information that goes with the paper.
- The title tag in line 4 specifies the document's title. It will be shown at the very top of the browser window.
- The meta tags on lines 5 and 6 are used to describe the document.
- The body tags on lines 9 and 11 enclose the document's actual content.
The Doctype
This tag is typically positioned as the initial element on a webpage. It should be inserted right before the opening html tag at the beginning. Note that unlike other tags, this one commences with an exclamation mark (!).
<!doctype html>
Technically speaking, it functions as a directive to the browser on how to interpret the remaining content, rather than just a tag. The term "HTML" is employed to denote HTML 5 specifically. With multiple versions of HTML available, distinguishing between them is essential.
The Head
<head> </head>
Supplementary data is inserted within the head section of an HTML document. Although not directly visible in the content, this data is associated with it. Multiple elements are involved in this process.
Nevertheless, the previously mentioned template addresses the basic components necessary for any webpage.
The Title
We may give the document a title by using the title tag. This is employed several times:
- It will be shown at the top of the browser's window.
- The title from your bookmarked version of this page will be utilized.
- When listing your page in their search results, search engines take into account the title.
- When someone connects to your page from another website, the title may be used.
- Given all the locations it is used, the title tag may be rather significant. Spend some time making sure it is both brief and detailed.
Meta Tags
<meta name="description" value=" ">
<meta name="keywords" value=" ">
The two meta tags for describing the content and specifying keywords are included in the head section of the document. These tags can be employed by external platforms, such as social media and sharing websites, and are also considered by search engines to different extents.
The description functions as a concise overview of the content featured on the webpage. It is frequently displayed below the title on search engine results pages.
The keywords meta tag serves to provide a compilation of terms relevant to the page's content. In the past, search engines assigned significance to this aspect of your page; however, due to its misuse, it now holds minimal importance. Nevertheless, it is advisable to include it for thoroughness and to avoid potential blacklisting by certain search engines. These search engines contend that omitting this tag may reflect poorly on your page's quality, suggesting a lack of effort that could extend to other aspects as well.
The Body
<body> < /body>
The specific content of your webpage is presented in this section. This information would usually be enclosed within tags that specify the nature of the content. For the sake of simplicity, we excluded this structure in the previous illustration. The following section will commence showcasing the various categories of tags that can be utilized.
Advantages of <template> Element
- The HTML event and global attributes are both supported.
- It aids in the development of reusable markups.
- It supports a wide range of browsers.
- It applies to front-end frameworks.
- Site performance and speed are enhanced because it only operates when engaged.
- It just uses Javascript. The template element's output won't be seen by users whose browsers have Javascript disabled.
- Accessibility issues; certain older screen readers are affected.
Disadvantages of <template> Element
Summary to Sum Up
Any grammatically correct HTML can serve as the content within the <template> tag.
Content enclosed in a <template> is considered to be "outside of the document" and does not impact any elements within it.
We have the ability to utilize JavaScript in order to access template.content and duplicate it for the purpose of reusing it in a different component.
The <template> tag is quite distinctive because:
- As an alternative to utilizing a template string within a script, the browser validates HTML syntax within it.
- Nevertheless permits the usage of any top-level HTML elements, including ones that are useless without the appropriate wrappers (such as <tr>).
- When put into the document, the material becomes interactive: scripts run, <videos autoplay>, etc.
- There are no iteration mechanisms, data binding, or variable replacements built into the <template> element, but we can add things on top of it.