hyperdocument

A hyperdocument is a document that contains links to other documents. These links, often called hyperlinks, allow users to navigate between different pieces of information in a non-linear fashion. This concept forms the foundation of the World Wide Web, where web pages are interconnected through hyperlinks. The term "hyperdocument" emphasizes the structural and navigational aspects of such documents, highlighting the ability to move beyond a simple sequential reading experience.

The origin of the hyperdocument concept can be traced back to early hypertext pioneers like Vannevar Bush and Ted Nelson. Bush's 1945 article "As We May Think" described the Memex, a theoretical device that would allow users to create and follow associative trails through information. Ted Nelson coined the term "hypertext" in the 1960s, envisioning a vast, interconnected network of documents. While "hypertext" often refers to text-based links, "hyperdocument" can encompass links to various media types, including images, audio, and video. The development of hyperdocument systems has profoundly impacted how we create, access, and share information.