Semantics
HTML Nav
Building Navigation Menus
HTML nav element defines navigation links, enhancing accessibility.
Introduction to the HTML Nav Element
The <nav> element in HTML is used to define a block of navigation links. This semantic element is essential for organizing navigation menus on a webpage, aiding both users and search engines in understanding the structure of the site.
When to Use the Nav Element
The <nav> element should be used for major navigation links, such as the primary menu of a website, a list of links within articles, or any section of a page that contains links that are critical to navigating the site. It is not typically used for links that appear as part of the content.
Basic Structure of the Nav Element
In the example above, the <nav> element is used to wrap a list of links, which are typically displayed as a horizontal or vertical menu. Each link is contained within a list item <li> inside an unordered list <ul>.
Accessibility Considerations
Using the <nav> element enhances accessibility, as screen readers and other assistive technologies can recognize and announce it as a navigation section. It's important to ensure your navigation is clear and easy to use, with meaningful link text and logical ordering of the links.
Styling the Nav Element
The <nav> element can be styled using CSS to match the look and feel of your website. Common styles include changing the layout from vertical to horizontal, adding background colors, and modifying text appearance.
In this CSS example, the <ul> within the <nav> is styled to display the list items horizontally and distribute them evenly. Links are styled to remove underlines and change color on hover, enhancing the user experience.
