HTML summary Attribute

Posted in HTML Tutorial

Updated on Sep 22, 2024

By Mari Selvan

👁️ 35 - Views

⏳ 4 mins

💬 1 Comment

Photo Credit to CodeToFun

🙋 Introduction

The summary attribute in HTML is used to provide a summary or caption for table elements. This attribute was intended to describe the structure or purpose of a table, mainly for accessibility reasons, so that screen readers can convey this information to users with visual impairments.

However, it's important to note that the summary attribute has been deprecated in HTML5. Modern HTML practices encourage using alternative methods like ARIA attributes for accessibility.

🎯 Purpose of summary

The main purpose of the summary attribute is to offer a textual description of the table's content and structure. This is particularly useful for assistive technologies, helping users understand the context and purpose of the data presented in a table.

💎 Values

The summary attribute can take any string value that describes the table. Since it is a descriptive attribute, its value should be concise yet informative.

📄 Example:

index.html

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<table summary="This table lists the quarterly sales figures for the year 2023.">
  <thead>
    <tr>
      <th>Quarter</th>
      <th>Sales</th>
    </tr>
  </thead>
  <tbody>
    <tr>
      <td>Q1</td>
      <td>$10,000</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>Q2</td>
      <td>$15,000</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>Q3</td>
      <td>$20,000</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>Q4</td>
      <td>$25,000</td>
    </tr>
  </tbody>
</table>

🧠 How it Works

In this example, the summary attribute provides a brief description of the table's contents, which can help users understand what the table represents.

🔄 Dynamic Values with JavaScript

Although the summary attribute is deprecated, you can still dynamically set or modify it using JavaScript in legacy systems or for educational purposes. Here's how you can do it:

index.html

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<script>
  // Dynamically set the summary attribute for a table
  document.getElementById("salesTable").setAttribute("summary", "Dynamically added summary describing the sales table.");
</script>

<table id="salesTable">
  <thead>
    <tr>
      <th>Quarter</th>
      <th>Sales</th>
    </tr>
  </thead>
  <tbody>
    <tr>
      <td>Q1</td>
      <td>$10,000</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>Q2</td>
      <td>$15,000</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>Q3</td>
      <td>$20,000</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>Q4</td>
      <td>$25,000</td>
    </tr>
  </tbody>
</table>

🧠 How it Works

In this script, the summary attribute is dynamically set for the table with the id "salesTable."

🏆 Best Practices

Since the summary attribute is deprecated in HTML5, it's recommended to use other methods for adding accessible descriptions to tables. Consider using ARIA attributes like aria-describedby or providing detailed captions within the table content itself.
Ensure any descriptive text added to your tables is clear and concise to benefit users of assistive technologies.
Test your tables with various screen readers and accessibility tools to ensure they convey the intended information effectively.

🎉 Conclusion

While the summary attribute was designed to improve table accessibility, it has been deprecated in modern HTML. Instead, use ARIA attributes and other accessible practices to ensure your tables are understandable to all users.

Understanding the legacy use of summary can still be valuable, particularly when maintaining or updating older websites.