Table of contents

HTML <data> Tag

What is HTML <data> Tag?

The HTML data tag is used to link a piece of visible content with a machine-readable value. It helps browsers, search engines, and scripts to understand specific data more clearly. The visible text is shown to users, while the value attribute inside the data tag provides an internal reference for programs or automated systems.

This tag is useful for adding semantic meaning to web content and improving SEO. It can be used for things like prices, product codes, IDs, or structured data that helps search engines better understand your content. The HTML data tag is an inline element and can be used inside other elements like paragraphs, list items, or table cells.

Syntax of the HTML <data> Tag

plaintext
<data value="machine-readable-data">Visible Text</data>

The value attribute holds the machine-readable information, while the visible text between the tags is displayed on the webpage. Always start with <data> and end with </data>.

Examples of HTML <data> Tag

Example 1: Basic HTML Data Tag

plaintext
<!DOCTYPE html>
<html lang="en">
<body>

<p>The product ID for this laptop is <data value="SCH247LAP123">Laptop Pro 15</data>.</p>

</body>
</html>

In this example, the HTML data tag is used to store a machine-readable product ID while displaying “Laptop Pro 15” to the user. The hidden value (SCH247LAP123) can be read by scripts or search engines for data processing.

Example 2: SEO Optimized HTML Data Tag

plaintext
<!DOCTYPE html>
<html lang="en">
<body>

<p>At <data value="https://www.scholar247.com">Scholar247</data>, you can find the <data value="best-seo-courses">Best SEO Courses</data> for beginners.</p>

</body>
</html>

In this SEO-optimized example, the HTML data tag is used to link the visible content “Scholar247” and “Best SEO Courses” with machine-readable values. This approach helps search engines understand that Scholar247 is associated with SEO learning resources.

Attributes of the HTML <data> Tag

The HTML data tag supports the following attribute:

• value: This attribute specifies the machine-readable data linked to the visible content.
No other attributes are supported by the data tag.

Best Practices for HTML <data> Tag

• Always include a descriptive value that clearly represents the visible text.
• Use the HTML data tag when information needs to be machine-readable but user-friendly in display.
• Avoid using it for storing large or complex data; use data-* attributes instead.
• Combine it with relevant structured data or microdata for improved SEO.
• Keep the content and value meaningful to enhance clarity for both users and search engines.

FAQs About the HTML <data> Tag

What is the purpose of the HTML data tag?

The HTML data tag connects visible text with a hidden machine-readable value, making the content more understandable for browsers, search engines, and scripts.

Can I use the data tag without a value attribute?

No. The value attribute is required because it provides the machine-readable part of the information. Without it, the data tag loses its purpose.

Is the HTML data tag good for SEO?

Yes. It helps search engines associate structured meanings with your page content, improving visibility and context in search results.

Can I use the data tag inside a paragraph or list?

Yes. The HTML data tag is an inline element and can be used inside text, paragraphs, or list items without breaking layout.

What is the difference between data and data-* attributes?

The data tag provides a semantic way to connect readable and machine-readable text, while data-* attributes are custom attributes used in JavaScript or dynamic data handling.

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