What is the HTML code tag

The <code> tag is a semantic HTML tag that's used for displaying code snippets. It can be used both inline and within a block-level element like <pre>.

Why Use the code tag

• Semantic Meaning: Provides semantic value to the enclosed code.
• Readability: This makes it easier for both browsers and developers to understand that the text is code.
• Styling: Easier to style and highlight with CSS or JavaScript libraries like Prism.

Basic Usage

The most straightforward way to use the <code> tag is inline for short code snippets:

<code>Your code here</code>

Using code with pre

For multiline code snippets, it's common to combine the <code> tag with the <pre> tag:

<pre>
  <code>
    Your code here
  </code>
</pre>

Example

Here's an example of how you can use the <code> tag to display a simple code snippet:

<pre>
  <code>
    // A simple Javascript program to print "Hello, World!"
    function greet() {
      console.log("Hello, World!");
    }
    greet();
  </code>
</pre>

Output

// A simple Javascript program to print "Hello, World!"
function greet() {
  console.log("Hello, World!");
}
greet();

Conclusion

The <code> tag is a powerful element for displaying code snippets within a webpage. It preserves both spaces and line breaks, making it ideal for showcasing code. In this blog post, we've explored how to use the <code> tag effectively, especially in conjunction with Prism for code highlighting.