What is the Difference Between Hypertext and Hyperlink?

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The main difference between hypertext and hyperlink lies in their definitions and purposes on the internet:

  • Hypertext refers to a text that contains non-linear linkage to other information, such as webpages, documents, or specific parts of a document. It deals with text only and is associated with keywords. When users click on hypertext, they are rapidly redirected to the linked information or page.
  • Hyperlink is a component of hypertext that contains the actual link or URL to a specific computer resource, such as a webpage or document. It can contain text, media, audio, video, images, graphics, and more. When users click on hyperlink, it establishes a connection between the knowledge units, usually known as the target document.

In summary, hypertext is a non-linear representation of data that contains hyperlinks, which are the actual links embedded within the hypertext to specific resources or information.

Comparative Table: Hypertext vs Hyperlink

Here is a table comparing the differences between hypertext and hyperlink:

Feature Hypertext Hyperlink
Content Involves only text Can contain text, media, audio, video, images, graphics, and more
Function Directs information to related information only Directed link could contain some unrelated information
Presence Hypertext contains hyperlinks A hyperlink consists of URLs
Association Hypertext is associated with keywords Hyperlink is associated with anchor tags

To summarize:

  • Hypertext is a non-linear method of presenting information, involving only text. It allows users to navigate through text in a non-linear way.
  • Hyperlinks are actual links embedded within hypertext or other media, and they can contain URLs, leading to related or unrelated information.
  • Hyperlinks can be associated with anchor tags, while hypertext is associated with keywords.
  • Hypermedia, an enhanced version of hypertext, includes multimedia elements like images, videos, and other audio-visual components, along with text.