The Evolution of
Hypertext: Connecting
Information in the Digital
Age
Hypertext has revolutionized how
we access, interact with, and share
information. Join us as we explore its
history, structure, and future.
What is Hypertext?
Interconnectedness Non-linearity
Hypertext is a system of Unlike linear text,
text and information hypertext allows users
linked together. It allows to move freely through
users to navigate information in any order
between different they choose, based on
pieces of content. their interests.
Historical Origins
Vannevar Bush's Memex 1
A hypothetical machine envisioned
in 1945, it foreshadowed the
potential of hypertext. 2 Ted Nelson's Xanadu
A theoretical hypertext
Doug Engelbart's NLS 3
system in the
influenced by Memex and
1960s,
The first practical hypertext focused on non-linearity.
system, developed in the
1960s, featured linked
documents and text editing.
World Wide Web (WWW)
- Global hypertext system of information
residing on servers linked across the internet.
- Hypertext is the foundation of WWW enabling
users to click on link to obtain more information
on a subsequent page on the same site or from
website anywhere in the world.
Uniform Resource Locator (URL)
- Colloquially termed a web address, is a
reference to a web resource that specifies its
location on a computer network and a
mechanism for retrieving it.
- URLs occur most commonly to reference web
pages (http) but are also used for file transfer
(ftp), email (mailto, database access (JBDC) and
many other applications.
Most web browsers display the URL of a
webpage above the page in an address bar. A
typical URL has the form:
http://www.example.com/index.html
Protocol Host Name File Name
Today, links are not just limited to
text or documents but may also
incorporate other forms of
multimedia such as images, audio,
and videos that simulates more
senses. This is called hypermedia.
Why hypertexts?
- In a hypertext system, the reader is free to
navigate information by exploring the
connections provided.
- Hypertext is very different way of presenting
information that the usual linear from.
- It acts as a bridge between two basic,
opposite and complementing elements that
may be called gender of knowledge
representation: free and shortcut.
Key Components
1 Nodes 2 Links
Individual units of Connections
information, such between nodes,
as pages, allowing users to
paragraphs, or navigate between
images, connected different pieces of
by links. content.
3 Anchors
Specific points within a node that are linked
to other nodes, often highlighted or
underlined text.
Types of Links
Internal Links External Links
Connect to other parts Connect to content on
of the same document, different websites,
enabling users to jump allowing users to access
to specific sections or information outside of
related content. the current document.
Cross-references
Create connections between different parts of a large
document or project, aiding navigation and
understanding.
Navigation and User
Experience
User Control
Users have autonomy in how they explore
information, following their own interests and
curiosity.
Contextual Awareness
Links provide context and relevance, guiding
users towards related content and deepening
understanding.
Accessibility
Hypertext can make information more
accessible, especially for users with diverse
learning styles and preferences.
HTML: The
Foundation of the
Web
<html>
<head>
<title>My Website</title>
</head>
<body>
<p>This is a paragraph of text.</p>
<a href="https://example.com">Link to Example
Website</a>
</body>
</html>
Beyond Text: Hypermedi
Images Video Interactiv
Hypermedia Integrated video
e
extends content provides
Elements
Interactive
hypertext by dynamic visual features like
incorporating experiences, forms, maps, and
multimedia enriching the quizzes engage
elements like information flow. users and foster
images and deeper
videos, understanding.
enhancing the
user experience.
Real-world Applications
1B 1M
Web Pages Educational Resources
The backbone of the Hypertext facilitates
internet, enabling interactive learning
access to information experiences and
and connecting users personalized
worldwide. educational paths.
100K
E-commerce Platforms
Hypertext underpins
online shopping
experiences,
connecting customers
with products and
The Future of Hypertext
Hypertext will continue to evolve, driven by advancements in
artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and other technologies,
leading to even more engaging and interconnected
experiences.
