The <aside> HTML element is used to represent a portion of a document that is indirectly related to the main content. This element is commonly used for content that can enhance the main content but is not essential for understanding it. Examples of such content include sidebars, pull quotes, advertisements, or related links. The <aside> element is often presented as a sidebar or a call-out box, providing additional context or information without disrupting the flow of the main content.
The <aside> element is particularly useful for providing supplementary information that can be easily separated from the main content. For instance, in an article discussing gardening, an <aside> might contain a related tip about planting native plants to attract local wildlife. This allows readers to access additional insights without detracting from the primary narrative of the article. Here's an example of how the <aside> tag can be used:
<article>
<h2>The Benefits of Gardening</h2>
<p>Gardening has numerous benefits for mental and physical health.</p>
<aside>
<h3>Related Tip</h3>
<p>Consider planting native plants to attract local wildlife.</p>
</aside>
<p>Additionally, gardening can provide fresh produce.</p>
</article>Valid Attributes for <aside>
| Attribute | Description |
|---|---|
| class | Specifies one or more class names for the element, used for CSS styling. |
| id | Defines a unique identifier for the element, useful for JavaScript and CSS. |
| style | Contains inline CSS styles for the element. |
| title | Provides additional information about the element, often displayed as a tooltip. |
| lang | Specifies the language of the element's content. |
| dir | Indicates the direction of text (e.g., left-to-right, right-to-left). |
In summary, the <aside> element is a semantic HTML tag that helps organize content by marking sections that are related but not central to the main content. It enhances the semantic structure of a webpage and provides a clear way to include additional information that complements the main content without overwhelming it.