The <summary> HTML element is used as a summary or heading for the <details> element. It provides a visible label that users can click to expand or collapse the content within the <details> element. The <summary> element is an interactive element that enhances the user experience by allowing users to control the visibility of additional content.
Usage and Characteristics
The <summary> element is the first child of a <details> element and serves as the clickable heading that toggles the visibility of the content inside the <details>. Here is an example of how the <summary> tag can be used:
<details>
<summary>More Information</summary>
<p>This section contains additional details that can be expanded or collapsed by clicking the summary above.</p>
</details>In this example, "More Information" is the clickable summary that, when clicked, reveals or hides the paragraph of additional details.
Valid Attributes for <summary>
The <summary> element does not have specific attributes beyond the global attributes, which include:
| 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 linking and JavaScript. |
| style | Contains inline CSS styles for the element. |
| title | Provides additional information about the element, often displayed as a tooltip. |
Benefits and Considerations
User Interaction: The
<summary>element enhances user interaction by providing a clickable interface for expanding and collapsing content, making it easier to navigate and manage information.Accessibility: The
<summary>element, when used with<details>, improves accessibility by allowing users to control the visibility of content, which can be beneficial for screen readers and other assistive technologies.Semantic Meaning: The
<summary>element provides semantic meaning by indicating that the enclosed content is a summary or heading for additional details, helping both users and search engines understand the structure and purpose of the text.
In summary, the <summary> element is a valuable tool for creating interactive content sections within a webpage. It provides a clear and accessible way for users to expand or collapse additional information, enhancing both the usability and organization of web content. By using the <summary> element, developers can create more dynamic and user-friendly interfaces.