HTML Hyperlinks (Links)
Hyperlinks were first implemented in 1989 with the creation of the World Wide Web and have become the backbone of the inter-network of links and interlinks that is one core function of the World Wide Web.
What is a Hyperlink?
A link in general can take on different forms and be used in different places, including the href attribute of a hyperlink or a <link> element within the head of a document, the src attribute to point to an image or a JavaScript source file, and the url() value of a CSS property.
A hyperlink is a word, group of words, or image that you can click to open a new web page or jump to a certain location within the current web page or to another web page, and even to open a program on your computer. Hyperlinks allow users to click their way from page to page and are found in nearly all Web pages.
Examples:
These examples use pop-ups and will not navigate away from this page.
Hyperlink to another web page
Hyperlink to a section within this web page
Hyperlink to open an email application
Hyperlink to open a program on your computer (Skype)
Hypertext is text with hyperlinks that is displayed in a browser (usually as differently formatted text).
How is a hyperlink created?
Links are specified in HTML using the <a> (anchor) elements.
Syntax:
Textual link
<a href="url">Link text</a>
Image Link
<a href="url"><img src="link.gif" alt="alt text"></a>
Anchor Text Link (AHR)
<a href="url#name">Link text</a>
Program link (Client-Side)
<a href="programname:parameters">Link text</a>
Hyperlinks and Online Marketing
The monetary unit of all online marketing is essentially a hyperlink to your website. How you dress up and package it defines the service.
With the introduction of Yahoo and Google search, Online Marketing and Search Engine Optimization (SEO) became a crucial exercise to develop a web presence and to be found online. Even offline marketing strategies such as business cards and flyers have URL addresses printed on them to help establish a link to their web presence. Advertising is as ubiquitous online, which over time has monetized websites and developed a market based on the promotion and marketing of hyperlinks.