1991
HTML invented
Tim Berners-Lee invented HTMLHyperText Markup Language — the standard markup for structuring web pages. in 1991 at CERN — a markup language of tags for linking documents on the World Wide Web.
What it was for
HTMLHyperText Markup Language — the standard markup for structuring web pages. wraps text in elements like `<a href>`, `<p>`, and `<h1>` so browsers know structure and hyperlinks. Berners-Lee paired it with HTTPHyperText Transfer Protocol — the protocol browsers use to request and receive web pages. and URLs; every web page, email template, and SPA still renders HTMLHyperText Markup Language — the standard markup for structuring web pages. (or generates it). Example: `<a href="/docs">Read more</a>` turns text into a clickable navigation link.
Companies
- CERN
Why it's here
HTMLHyperText Markup Language — the standard markup for structuring web pages. was the document format that made the web browsable, not just transferable files.
Why it mattered
It became the universal presentation layer of the internet — later extended by CSSCascading Style Sheets — the language for layout, color, and typography on web pages. and JavaScript.
What it solved
Scientists at CERN needed a simple way to write and link research documents across machines.
Related
- WorldWideWeb — first web browserDecember 1990
- URI syntax standardizedJune 1994
- HTTP/1.1 standardizedJanuary 1997