Explaining the Tech Terms HTML and Plain Text

Throughout your time spent on computers, you've most likely heard the phrase “plain text” and the acronym “HTML” mentioned. If you don't know what these statements refer to, Macro Systems is here to help. Let's examine both HTML and plain text to produce a better understanding of these tech terms.

At the end of the day, the true difference between the tech terms "plain text" and "HTML" is how much information each relays.

"HTML"
Hyper Text Markup Language (HTML) is the language that the majority of web browsers utilize as the standard for web content. Developed at CERN, or the European Organization for Nuclear Research, by Sir Tim Berners-Lee in the 1980s, HTML supplies a browser with tags that directs how a web page’s content is displayed.

HTML is why this sentence can be displayed individually from the other content on this page.

A web browser takes the HTML code and converts it into a layout that can be read by a user. HTML is the reason that web content can appear italicized, bold, or can be anchored to other pages online.

It's not an exaggeration to state that the Internet itself was constructed on the basis of HTML.

"Plain Text"
In comparison, plain text is the text with the majority of its formatting removed. While basic formatting and punctuation (like new paragraphs and commas) are maintained, stylistic elements are stripped away. Any fonts or specialized formatting are also removed, leaving just the bare-bones content.

While HTML is utilized to create fancy, stylized text that appeals to the eye, plain text is exactly what it sounds like: simple, unformatted text. On the modern web, you usually don't run into plain text sites, but over a decade ago many sites chose to have plain text versions for slower dial up connections.

Email Uses
Naturally, HTML and plain text have applications other than in web design; they can also be utilized to stylize or simplify email messages. This is solely based on what type of email you’re trying to send. HTML can help you create a vital, attention-grabbing email, while plain text allows you to simply share a message - nothing more, nothing less.

HTML and plain text both have advantages and disadvantages in email usage. HTML permits you to tell a more visually vigorous story, ultimately upgrading your ability to brand your emails. Moreover, the more clickable HTML format also allows you to send emails and track their open rates. Alas, for all its features, HTML is more likely to be put in the spam folder or grouped into a folder that isn’t read nearly as often.

In other words, plain text makes emails easier to write because formatting is basically a non-issue. They can also be read on any device, and rarely have any deliverability problems.

Nevertheless, plain text isn’t the most visually alluring, which reduces the chances that it will be clicked on. Then again, plain text also can’t be tracked; you have no idea whether or not your email was successful unless it is brought to your attention.

Any other tech terms that you’d like to learn more about? Let us know in the comments!