merkkauskoodaus

Merkkauskoodaus, often translated as markup encoding or simply markup, refers to the system of using symbols or codes within a text document to indicate its structure, formatting, or semantic meaning. These codes, known as markup tags, are typically embedded alongside the actual content. When the document is processed by a suitable application, such as a web browser or a word processor, these tags are interpreted and used to display the text appropriately.

Common examples of markup languages include HTML (HyperText Markup Language), which is used for creating web pages, and XML (eXtensible Markup Language), a flexible format for structuring data. In HTML, tags like `<p>` and `<h1>` define paragraphs and main headings, respectively. XML allows users to create their own custom tags to describe data in a standardized way.

The purpose of merkkauskoodaus is to separate the presentation or interpretation of information from the raw content itself. This separation allows for greater flexibility and maintainability. For instance, a single HTML document can be rendered differently by various browsers or devices, while the underlying content and its structure remain consistent. Markup also facilitates automated processing of documents, enabling search engines to understand content and software to extract specific information. The core principle is to annotate text with instructions or descriptions that guide how it should be understood or displayed.