HTML pre Tag

The <pre> tag stands for “preformatted text” and is used to present text exactly as it appears in the HTML code. It is commonly used when displaying code snippets, ASCII art, or any content that requires precise spacing and indentation.

Let’s examine a simple example:

<pre>
  function sayHello() {
    console.log("Hello, world!");
  }
</pre>

In the above example, we have wrapped a JavaScript code snippet within the <pre> tags. When rendered in a web browser, this code will display the text as follows, preserving the original formatting:

function sayHello() {
  console.log("Hello, world!");
}

As you can see, the <pre> tag maintains the indentation, spacing, and line breaks of the text, making it suitable for displaying code or any content that relies on precise formatting.

In addition to preserving whitespace and line breaks, the <pre> tag also renders the text in a monospaced font, such as Courier New or monospace, which further enhances the readability and distinction of the preformatted text.

It’s important to note that the <pre> tag is not limited to code snippets. It can be used for any text that requires maintaining the original formatting, such as displaying poetry, ASCII art, or preserving the structure of a table.

While the <pre> tag is effective in preserving formatting, it should be used sparingly and only when necessary. For general text content, it is recommended to use appropriate HTML elements and CSS styles to control the spacing, indentation, and layout of the text.

In conclusion, the <pre> tag in HTML provides a means to display preformatted text while preserving whitespace, line breaks, and original formatting. It is particularly useful for showcasing code snippets, ASCII art, or any content that requires precise spacing. By utilizing the <pre> tag effectively, you can present your content in a visually appealing and easily readable format, maintaining the integrity of the original text.