I stand up for children in need. Please join me in helping this family.
Source Element: Specifying Media Resources
The <source> HTML element is used to specify multiple media resources for elements like <audio>, <video>, and <picture>. It allows developers to provide different versions of a media file or image to accommodate various formats and conditions, such as browser compatibility or screen size. The browser will choose the first <source> element that it supports.
Usage and Characteristics
The <source> element is a void element, meaning it does not have a closing tag. It is typically used within <audio>, <video>, or <picture> elements to provide alternative media sources. Here are examples of how the <source> tag can be used in different contexts:
Video Element:
<video controls>
<source src="video.mp4" type="video/mp4">
<source src="video.webm" type="video/webm">
Your browser does not support the video tag.
</video>Audio Element:
<audio controls>
<source src="audio.mp3" type="audio/mpeg">
<source src="audio.ogg" type="audio/ogg">
Your browser does not support the audio tag.
</audio>Picture Element:
<picture>
<source srcset="image-large.jpg" media="(min-width: 800px)">
<source srcset="image-medium.jpg" media="(min-width: 500px)">
<img src="image-small.jpg" alt="A description of the image">
</picture>Valid Attributes for <source>
| Attribute | Description |
|---|---|
| src | Specifies the URL of the media file. Used in |
| type | Specifies the MIME type of the media resource. Helps the browser determine how to process the file. |
| srcset | Specifies a list of image sources for different device resolutions or conditions. Used in |
| media | Defines the media condition (e.g., screen width) that must be met for the source to be used. Used in |
| sizes | Specifies the image sizes for different viewport widths. Used in |
Benefits and Considerations
Flexibility: The
<source>element provides flexibility by allowing developers to specify multiple formats of a media resource, ensuring compatibility across different browsers and devices.Responsive Design: In the context of the
<picture>element,<source>helps implement responsive images by delivering the most appropriate image based on screen size and resolution.Fallback Support: By providing multiple
<source>elements, developers can ensure that a suitable media file is available for a wide range of browsers, with fallback content available if none of the sources are supported.
In summary, the <source> element is a powerful tool for providing multiple media resources for <audio>, <video>, and <picture> elements. It enhances compatibility, responsiveness, and user experience by allowing browsers to select the most suitable media file based on format support and device conditions.
Support My Work
If you enjoy my content, consider supporting me through Buy Me a Coffee or GitHub Sponsors.
or