HTMLt

HTMLt is a hypothetical markup language proposed as an extension of HTML to integrate templating and data binding directly into the markup. Unlike traditional HTML, HTMLt aims to enable dynamic rendering without separate templating engines while preserving backward compatibility with HTML documents.

Key features include declarative directives embedded as attributes, such as data-ht-for for iteration, data-ht-if for conditional rendering, and data-ht-bind for data binding. Components in HTMLt resemble isolated template blocks that can be instantiated with a data model.

Syntax is designed to be HTML-friendly: existing HTML remains valid, while templates and directives are added as non-breaking attributes. Rendering can occur client-side through a dedicated HTMLt engine or via compile-time tooling that outputs standard HTML/CSS/JS.

Example:

<div data-ht-for="user in users" data-ht-template="user">

<span data-ht-bind="user.name"></span>

</div>

Status and reception: As a hypothetical concept, HTMLt has not progressed to formal standardization. It remains a topic in speculative discussions and experimental tooling. Proponents argue it could simplify building data-driven UI on the web, while critics point to fragmentation and performance concerns.

See also: HTML, Web Components, Templating languages.

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