HTML <a> href Attribute
HTML <a> tag
Example
The href attribute specifies the link's destination:
<a href="http://www.w3schools.com">Visit W3Schools</a>
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More "Try it Yourself" examples below.
Definition and Usage
The href attribute specifies the URL of the page the link goes to.
If the href attribute is not present, the <a> tag is not a hyperlink.
Browser Support
Attribute |
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|
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href |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Differences Between HTML 4.01 and HTML5
In HTML5, if the <a> tag has no href attribute, it is a placeholder for a hyperlink.
Syntax
Attribute Values
Value |
Description |
URL |
The URL of the link. Possible values:
- An absolute URL - points to another web site (like href="http://www.example.com/default.htm")
- A relative URL - points to a file within a web site (like href="default.htm")
- Link to an element with a specified id within the page (like href="#top")
- Other protocols (like https://, ftp://, mailto:, file:, etc..)
- A script (like href="javascript:alert('Hello');")
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More Examples
Example
Link to an element with a specified id within a page (the name attribute is
not supported in HTML5):
<a href="#top">Go to top</a>
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Example
Link to an email address with a specified subject (will only work if you have mail installed):
<a href="mailto:someone@example.com?Subject=Hello%20again">Send mail!</a>
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Example
Link to multiple email addresses with a specified subject and a specified message:
<a
href="mailto:someone@example.com?cc=someoneelse@example.com&bcc=andsomeoneelse@example.com
&subject=Summer%20Party&body=You%20are%20invited%20to%20a%20big%20summer%20party!">Send
mail!</a>
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Example
Link to a JavaScript:
<a href="javascript:alert('Hello World!');">Execute JavaScript</a>
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HTML <a> tag
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