Is HTML considered a programming language?
HTML is predominantly a markup language, not a programming language. It is responsible for structuring content and does not bear the capacity to compute or control flow with commands characteristic to programming languages like if/else or for loops. For interactivity, pair HTML with JavaScript.
In terms of professional documentation, HTML and XML fall under technologies on a resume. Position JavaScript under the Programming Languages section.
Deciphering the markup vs the programming language debate
HTML is primarily a declarative language that describes what something is without specifying how it should work. Let's delve into why it's not classified as a programming language, even if it's an essential part of web development:
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HTML is non-Turing complete: Unlike TeX, a markup language that is Turing complete, HTML does not meet the conditions required to simulate a Turing machine.
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No logical constructs: Unlike programming languages, HTML lacks control structures or algorithms such as loops (e.g.
for,while) or conditionals (e.g.if/else). -
Part of the toolkit: HTML/XML should be grouped with other linguistic tools, such as version control systems like Git, not programming languages.
Detailing your markup language skills on a resume
Listing HTML and XML on your resume is not about simply listing terminologies; it's about giving potential employers insight into your hands-on experiences:
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Highlight advanced web development skills: Demonstrate proficiency in JavaScript and Ajax to convey the breadth of your web design capabilities, with HTML serving as the structure to, say, JavaScript's functionality.
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Showcase integration proficiency: Specify how you've utilized HTML in tandem with server-side technologies, APIs, and databases. This will paint a fuller picture of your understanding of web development as a multidisciplinary field.
Executing a careful HTML/XML categorization strategy
Classifying HTML/XML correctly is a decisive factor when applying for tech jobs. Here's how to navigate this:
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Vital skills: Make sure to include HTML/XML skills for roles requiring them. For certain positions, HTML is non-negotiable.
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Prevent misclassification: It's important to correctly categorize your skills to ensure HR software appropriately parses your application.
Joke Alert: Why did HTML go to school? Because it had HEADings and BODY but lacked CLASS!
The semantics of classifying computer instructions
Although some may posit that any instructions given to a computer constitute a programming language, this outlook can blur distinctions between markup and computing languages. Such a broad interpretation might invite lively debates but does little to clarify distinctions for job recruitment or educational purposes.
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