Single-page navigation often jumps to fragment IDs in one document, while a multi-page site links to different HTML files. Many real sites combine both. The important question is always where the link leads and whether the person reading the page can predict it.
What You Need to Know
Make sure each target exists and the link text makes the difference clear. A page fragment can also be combined with a filename, such as index.html#projects.
Example: See It in Action
Take a look at this small piece of HTML. You can use it in a practice document and change the text to make it your own.
This is a short HTML fragment. To try it as a webpage, put it inside the body element of a complete HTML document.
<nav aria-label="Main menu">
<a href="about.html">About page</a>
<a href="index.html#projects">Projects on home page</a>
</nav>Let’s Understand the Example
- An a element becomes a working link when it has an href. Its visible text should tell readers where they will go.
- Nav identifies a major collection of navigation links.
- Aria-label supplies an accessible name when a visible label is unavailable or inadequate.
- Href contains the destination of a link. A value starting with # points to an id on the same page.
The first example link points to about.html. Check whether that destination exists relative to the document. A link changes where readers go; it does not perform an action such as saving a form.
What Should You See?
You should see a link named “About page”. Selecting it leads to about.html when that destination exists. Try it with the mouse and the keyboard.
Imagine this link is read out of context. Would its text still explain the destination? Rename unclear links before trying to make them look nicer with CSS.
Try It Yourself
- Create one in-page link and one link to a section of another page.
- Save your changes, open or refresh the page, and compare the result with the original example.
- Tell a friend what your change did. If you are not sure, undo it, refresh the page, and compare.
Common Beginner Mistakes
- Using a fragment alone when the section lives on another HTML file.
- Avoid dead links, empty href values and clickable-looking text without a real destination.
Key Takeaways
- Single-page navigation often jumps to fragment IDs in one document, while a multi-page site links to different HTML files.
- An a element becomes a working link when it has an href. Its visible text should tell readers where they will go.
- Make sure each target exists and the link text makes the difference clear. A page fragment can also be combined with a filename, such as index.html#projects.