HTML pre Tag

Posted in HTML Tutorial

Updated on Feb 10, 2024

By Mari Selvan

👁️ 53 - Views

⏳ 4 mins

💬 1 Comment

Photo Credit to CodeToFun

🙋 Introduction

In the world of web development, the <pre> tag stands out as a powerful HTML element, especially when it comes to displaying code blocks with precision.

This comprehensive guide will delve into the details of the HTML <pre> tag, exploring its syntax, use cases, and best practices.

🤔 What is <pre> Tag?

The <pre> tag, short for preformatted text, is an HTML element designed to preserve both spaces and line breaks. It is particularly useful when you want to display code blocks or any text where formatting and spacing are crucial.

💡 Syntax

Implementing the <pre> tag is straightforward. Wrap your code or text within the opening <pre> and closing </pre> tags to ensure that the content is rendered exactly as it appears in the HTML source code.

syntax.html

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<pre>
  Your Code or Text Here
</pre>

🧰 Attributes

While the <pre> tag itself doesn't have many attributes, you can combine it with the <code> tag for styling and additional customization. This is especially useful when presenting code within a preformatted block.

attributes.html

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<pre>
  <code class="highlight" style="background-color: #f4f4f4;">
    // Your code here
    function exampleFunction() {
      return "Hello, World!";
    }
  </code>
</pre>

📚 Common Use Cases

Code Blocks:

The primary purpose of the <pre> tag is to display code blocks without losing formatting. It's commonly used when you want to present code examples in a clear and readable manner.
code-blocks.html
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```
<pre>
  <code>
    // Your multiline code here
    function exampleFunction() {
      return "Hello, World!";
    }
  </code>
</pre>
```
Preserving Whitespace:

The <pre> tag preserves both spaces and line breaks, making it ideal for displaying content that relies on specific formatting, such as ASCII art or tables.
preserving-whitespace.html
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```
<pre>
  This      text
  will      be
  displayed exactly
  as       written.
</pre>
```

🖥️ Browser Support

Understanding the compatibility of the <pre> tag across different browsers is essential for delivering a consistent user experience. Here's an overview of its support:

Google Chrome: Fully supported.
Mozilla Firefox: Fully supported.
Microsoft Edge: Fully supported.
Safari: Fully supported.
Opera: Fully supported.
Internet Explorer: Fully supported.

🏆 Best Practices

Use the <pre> tag when you need to maintain the formatting and whitespace of your content.
Combine with the <code> tag for styling and applying additional CSS styles.
Ensure that your code indentation within the <pre> tag is consistent for optimal readability.

🎉 Conclusion

Mastering the use of the HTML <pre> tag is essential for presenting code blocks and formatted text accurately. By understanding its syntax, leveraging attributes, and adhering to best practices, you can enhance the readability and visual appeal of your content.