HTML Level 1 and 2 Manual

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<DL> Element

Category: Lists
Period: HTML 1 / HTML 2.0
Status: core

Description

Starts a definition list of terms and descriptions.

Syntax

<DL>
<DT>Term
<DD>Description
</DL>

Attributes

None.

Usage Guidelines

• Use for glossaries, attribute reference and name/value material.
• Pair each DT with one or more DD elements.
• Do not use DL only to create indentation.
• It is excellent for manual pages because it is readable without tables.

Common Mistakes

• Very long DD blocks can make scanning difficult.

Example Code

<DL>
<DT>HREF
<DD>The destination of a link.
<DT>NAME
<DD>A target within a document.
</DL>

Authoring Note

Write the document first, then test it in a graphical browser and a text browser. The page should remain understandable if images fail, colours are ignored, or the browser uses its own fonts.

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