Difference Between Hypertext and Hyperlink

The main difference between hypertext and hyperlink is that hypertext is a text with references to some other text while hyperlink is a reference in a hypertext that directs the users to a section in the same document or a different document.

There are millions of web pages available on the internet. These pages are connected to each other. Hypertext and hyperlink are two terms related to internet and web pages. Hypertext is a text with reference to some other text that users can access quickly. These references are called hyperlinks. A hyperlink points to some other document or a specific section within the documents. In brief, hypertext is a text with hyperlinks while hyperlinks are the references in hypertext.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is Hypertext
     – Definition, Functionality
2. What is Hyperlink
     – Definition, Functionality
3. Difference Between Hypertext and Hyperlink
   –  Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

Hypertext, Hyperlink, Internet

What is Hypertext

Hypertext refers to text elements that contain links to access blocks of text in the same document or some other document. Hypertexts allow the users to move from one location to another using hyperlinks. In this way, the users can easily access the information they require.

Figure 1: Hypertext

Hypertext represents textual information which is linked together to provide more flexibility in accessing information. Furthermore, hypermedia is an extension of hypertext but it is not restricted only to text. It represents multimedia elements such as images, videos, audio and animations. Overall, hypertexts help to make the webpages more interactive.

What is Hyperlink

A hyperlink is a URL the hypertext directs the user to. Clicking on them will take the user to a section in the same web page or a different web page. Hyperlinks can take various forms such as bold text, italic text, images, etc. When hovering upon a hyperlink, it provides brief information regarding what the hyperlink refers to.

Figure 2: Hyperlink

Today, most of the web pages contain hyperlinks referring to the same page or other web pages. When the user surfs the internet, the mouse pointer changing into a pointing finger means that it is a hyperlink. While reading the articles in Pediaa.com, you must have also noticed multiple hyperlinks.

Difference Between Hypertext and Hyperlink

Definition

Hypertext is a text with references (hyperlinks) to other text that the user can easily and quickly access. Hyperlink is a reference in a hypertext to a whole document or a specific section in the same document.

Format

Hypertext contains only text with hyperlinks. Hyperlinks include various types of media including text, audio, graphics, images, etc.

Usage

Hypertext provides information about the subject of interest when clicked or hovered upon. Hyperlink is a reference in a hypertext that directs the user to some other location.

Association

Hypertext is associated with keywords while hyperlink is associated with anchor text. An anchor text is a visible text in a hyperlink, that the user can click.

Conclusion

The difference between hypertext and hyperlink is that hypertext is a text with references to some other text while hyperlink is a reference in a hypertext that directs the users to a section in the same document or a different document.

Reference

1.“Hyperlink.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 21 June 2018, Available here.
2. “Hypertext & Hypermedia”, Kristen Sacky, 21 Apr. 2015, Available here.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Sistema hipertextual” By Andreariverac – Own work (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Hyperlink-Wikipedia” (CC0) via Commons Wikimedia

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