HTML Level 1 and 2 Manual

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Element Index > Phrase Markup

<VAR> Element

Category: Phrase Markup
Period: HTML 2.0
Status: core

Description

Marks a variable or replaceable term.

Syntax

<VAR>filename</VAR>

Attributes

None.

Usage Guidelines

• Use for placeholders in commands and examples.
• Explain what the variable represents.
• Use CODE for literal code and VAR for replaceable parts.
• Avoid nesting VAR inside long code blocks unless it remains readable.

Common Mistakes

• Readers can miss that a VAR is not to be typed literally.

Example Code

<P>Use <KBD>copy <VAR>source</VAR> <VAR>destination</VAR></KBD>.

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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