Home > Terms > English, UK (UE) > Hypertext
Hypertext
In computing, hypertext is a user interface paradigm for displaying documents which, according to an early definition (Nelson 1970), "branch or perform on request." Hypertext is a way of organising material that attempts to overcome the inherent limitations of traditional text and in particular its linearity. The prefix hyper- (Modern Greek term for over or beyond) signifies the overcoming of such constraints. The most frequently discussed form of hypertext document contains automated cross-references to other documents called hyperlinks. Selecting a hyperlink causes the computer to load and display the linked document. A document can be static (prepared and stored in advance) or dynamically generated (in response to user input). Therefore, a well-constructed hypertext system can encompass, incorporate or supersede many other user interface paradigms like menus and command lines, and can be used to access both static collections of cross-referenced documents and interactive applications. The documents and applications can be local or can come from anywhere with the assistance of a computer network like the Internet. The most famous implementation of hypertext is the World Wide Web. The term "hypertext" is often used where the term hypermedia would be more appropriate.
- Part of Speech: noun
- Synonym(s):
- Blossary:
- Industry/Domain: Language
- Category: Linguistics
- Company:
- Product:
- Acronym-Abbreviation:
Other Languages:
Member comments
Terms in the News
Featured Terms
Nevsky, Alexander
Prince of Novgorod (r.1236-63). He saved Novgorod from attack by the Mongols in 1240 by becoming their vassal. He was rewarded by appointment as ...
Contributor
Featured blossaries
Browers Terms By Category
- General law(5868)
- Courts(823)
- Patent & trademark(449)
- DNA forensics(434)
- Family law(220)
- Legal aid (criminal)(82)
Legal services(8095) Terms
- American culture(1308)
- Popular culture(211)
- General culture(150)
- People(80)
Culture(1749) Terms
- Biochemistry(4818)
- Molecular biology(4701)
- Microbiology(1476)
- Ecology(1425)
- Toxicology(1415)
- Cell biology(1236)
Biology(22133) Terms
- Material physics(1710)
- Metallurgy(891)
- Corrosion engineering(646)
- Magnetics(82)
- Impact testing(1)
Materials science(3330) Terms
- Conferences(3667)
- Event planning(177)
- Exhibition(1)