HTML, the foundational language of the World Wide Web, has undergone a remarkable evolution and refinement since its inception. As the digital landscape shifted and matured, some HTML tags gracefully receded into the background, while others became focal points of passionate debates within the web development community.

The infamous <blink> tag stands out, celebrated for its unique ability to make text on a web page flash or "blink." In this detailed post, we will learn about blink in HTML and even go through its rich history, delve into the intricacies of its syntax, explore its varied usage like HTML blink text, and study the various controversies surrounding the <blink> HTML tag.

The <blink> tag is an HTML element that debuted as a proprietary extension when Netscape Navigator 1.0 arrived in 1994. It was conceived with a singular purpose – to introduce an attention-grabbing effect by causing text enclosed within the tag to blink at a designated interval. Despite its absence from the official HTML specification, the blink tag swiftly earned notoriety for its distinct visual flair.

Syntax

The syntax governing the <blink> tag is refreshingly uncomplicated. It hinges on an opening <blink> tag and its corresponding closing </blink> tag, effectively encapsulating the text destined for the blink:

HTML

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<blink>Your blinking text here.</blink>

While employing the <blink> tag may seem deceptively straightforward, it is imperative to fathom its potential impact on user experience and accessibility. Here is a systematic guide on effectively employing it:

  1. Opening and Closing Tags: As previously noted, encapsulate the text you wish to make blink within the <blink> opening and </blink> closing tags.
  2. 2. Define Blinking Interval: By default, most browsers set the blinking interval to approximately 500 milliseconds (half a second). If you desire to specify a different interval, you can resort to JavaScript or CSS, as we will elucidate later in this article.
  3. Consider Accessibility: Vigilance is essential when employing the <blink> tag. Excessive or inappropriate use of it can lead to a subpar user experience. Adhere to accessibility guidelines, as the blinking text may induce discomfort for certain users, particularly those with photosensitive epilepsy.

Now, let us illuminate the usage of the <blink> tag through practical examples.

Illustrative Examples

Harnessing the HTML <blink> Tag

To start with this, let us take a rudimentary example that deploys the <blink> tag to make a simple message blink:

HTML

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<!DOCTYPE html>

<html>

<head>

    <title>Blink HTML Tag Example</title>

</head>

<body>

    <p>Welcome to our website! <blink>Check out our special offers.</blink></p>

</body>

</html>

In this instance, the text "Check out our special offers," encased within the <blink> tags, will gracefully undergo the blinking transformation.

Unveiling JavaScript for Blinking Elegance

An alternative approach involves harnessing JavaScript to orchestrate the blinking effect of text. 

Here is an illustrative example that leverages JavaScript:

HTML

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<!DOCTYPE html>

<html>

<head>

    <title>Blink HTML Tag with JavaScript Example</title>

    <script>

        function startBlinking() {

            const blinkText = document.getElementById('blinkText');

            setInterval(function() {

                blinkText.style.visibility = (blinkText.style.visibility === 'hidden') ? 'visible': 'hidden';

            }, 500); // 500 milliseconds (half a second) interval

        }

    </script>

</head>

<body onload="startBlinking()">

    <p>Welcome to our website! <span id="blinkText">Check out our special offers.</span></p>

</body>

</html>

In this JavaScript-driven example, the text enshrouded within the <span> element will gracefully transition through the mesmerizing blinking effect.

Embracing CSS for Sublime Blinking

A third option for achieving the blinking effect lies in CSS animations. Behold an example that showcases the enchantment of CSS:

HTML

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<!DOCTYPE html>

<html>

<head>

    <title>Blink HTML Tag with CSS Example</title>

    <style>

        @keyframes blink {

            0% { visibility: visible; }

            50% { visibility: hidden; }

            100% { visibility: visible; }

        }

        .blink-text {

            animation: blink 1s infinite;

        }

    </style>

</head>

<body>

    <p>Welcome to our website! <span class="blink-text">Check out our special offers.</span></p>

</body>

</html>

In this detailed CSS example, the .blink-text class takes center stage, orchestrating the captivating blinking animation that envelopes the text.

The <blink> HTML tag, although a relic of the early web, continues to serve as a captivating memento of web development history. Its tumultuous journey in the spotlight underscores the delicate art of balancing creative expression with user experience and adherence to steadfast web standards. As web technologies relentlessly advance, web developers must remain unwavering in their commitment to accessibility and best practices, ensuring a seamless and gratifying online journey for all users.

If you are looking to enhance your software development skills further, we would highly recommend you to check Simplilearn’s Professional Certificate Program in Full Stack Web Development - MERN. This program, in collaboration with IIT Madras, can help you hone the right skills and make you job-ready in no time.

If you have any queries or doubts, feel free to post them in the comments section below. Our team will get back to you at the earliest.

FAQs

1. How to Blink in HTML?

To induce text to blink in HTML, employ the <blink> tag. Enclose the desired text within the <blink> opening and closing tags.

2. What is Blink in HTML?

The <blink> tag is an HTML element designed to make enclosed text blink or flash at predefined intervals.

3. Why Does the Blink Tag Not Work in HTML anymore?

The <blink> tag has been deprecated in modern HTML standards, including HTML5. Its support in contemporary browsers may be limited or entirely absent. It is advisable to resort to JavaScript or CSS for similar visual effects.

4. Can You Provide an Example of a Blink Tag?

Certainly, here is an example of the <blink> tag in action:

  • HTML
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<blink>This text will blink.</blink>

However, it is essential to note that the <blink> in HTML tag is no longer recommended for modern web development. Contemporary alternatives like JavaScript or CSS animations offer superior control and accessibility.

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