HTML Computer Code Elements

Last Updated : 11 Jul, 2025

HTML provides a set of elements tailored for displaying computer code so that it is easily distinguishable from other text on a webpage. These elements help in formatting and presenting source code in a readable and syntactically correct manner.

The code Tag

The `<code>` tag in HTML is designed to display computer code snippets with fixed formatting for optimal readability. It renders the code in a monospace font, preserving the original spacing and layout. The `<code>` tag also supports both global attributes and event attributes, allowing for flexible styling and interaction.

Syntax:

<code> Computer code contents... </code>

Note: The program that is written inside the <code> tag has some different font sizes and font types to the basic heading tag and paragraph tag.

Example: The <code> tag displays a C program within a <pre> tag, preserving whitespace and formatting. The C program includes the stdio.h library and a main function that prints "Hello Geeks".

html
<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>

<body>
    <pre>
        <code> 
            #include <stdio.h> 
            int main() { 
                printf("Hello Geeks"); 
            } 
        </code> 
    </pre>
</body>

</html>

Output:

output

The kbd Tag

The `<kbd>` tag is used to define keyboard input. The text between the `<kbd>` tags represents text that should be typed on a keyboard. This text is typically displayed in the browser's default monospace font, though a richer effect can be achieved with CSS. The `<kbd>` tag has no specific attributes.

Syntax:

<kbd> Contents... </kbd>

Example: To demonstrate the implementation of the <kbd> Tag. The <kbd> tag displays keyboard keys "Alt", "+", and "Tab" within the styled text.

html
<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>

<head>
    <title>The kbd tag</title>
    <style>
        body {
            text-align: center;
        }
    </style>
</head>

<body>
    <kbd>Alt </kbd>
    <kbd>+</kbd>
    <kbd>Tab</kbd>
    <span>
        is used to switch between open apps
    </span>
</body>

</html>

Output: