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HTML5 Aside Element (Live Playground)

Introduction​

The <aside> element in HTML5 is a semantic element used to define secondary or related content on a web page, such as sidebars, pull quotes, and supplementary information. In this tutorial, you will learn how to use the <aside> element to create well-structured and accessible web pages, including common use cases and best practices.

Using the <aside> Element​

The <aside> element should be used to wrap content that is tangentially related to the main content of a web page, but can be considered separate. This could include sidebars, supplementary information, or other related content. By using the <aside> element, you help search engines and assistive technologies like screen readers to identify the secondary content of the page.

Here's an example of using the <aside> element to create a simple web page structure:

HTML
<!DOCTYPE html>
<html lang="en">
  <head>
    <meta charset="UTF-8" />
    <title>HTML5 Aside Example</title>
  </head>
  <body>
    <header>
      <h1>My Website</h1>
      <nav>
        <!-- Navigation menu -->
      </nav>
    </header>
    <main>
      <h2>Welcome to My Website</h2>
      <p>This is the main content area of the page.</p>
      <!-- More content -->
    </main>
    <aside>
      <h3>Related Articles</h3>
      <ul>
        <li><a href="#">Article 1</a></li>
        <li><a href="#">Article 2</a></li>
        <li><a href="#">Article 3</a></li>
      </ul>
    </aside>
    <footer>
      <!-- Footer content -->
    </footer>
  </body>
</html>

In this example, the <aside> element is used to create a sidebar with a list of related articles. The header, main content, and footer are placed outside the <aside> element.

Live Playground, Try it Yourself

Best Practices​

When using the <aside> element, consider the following best practices:

  1. Use the <aside> element for secondary or related content that is tangentially related to the main content of a web page, such as sidebars, pull quotes, and supplementary information.

  2. Combine the <aside> element with other semantic elements to create well-structured and accessible web pages. For example, use the <header>, <footer>, <main>, <section>, and <article> elements for the header, footer, main content, content sections, and individual articles, respectively.

  3. Ensure your content is accessible by providing meaningful and descriptive headings within the <aside> element. This helps screen reader users and search engines understand the structure of your content.

  4. Don't use the <aside> element for advertising or unrelated content as it may confuse search engines and assistive technologies.

Conclusion​

The <aside> element is an essential part of HTML5, allowing you to create well-structured and accessible web pages by defining secondary or related content. By understanding its purpose and how to use it effectively, you can create websites that are both user-friendly and optimized for search engines.

As you continue to explore the world of HTML5 and semantic elements, you'll find that your ability to create organized, accessible, and visually appealing web pages will improve. Stay dedicated to learning and practicing, and you'll be well on your way to becoming a proficient web developer.