In the world of web development and file extensions, two terms often crop up: .htm and .html. These file extensions are associated with HTML (HyperText Markup Language) files, the backbone of web content. So, what sets them apart? Let’s dive into this seemingly simple yet often misunderstood topic.
.htm and .html
Before we go to the differences, let’s get into some fundamentals:
Both .htm and .html files are plain text files encoded in ASCII. They store the code that web browsers interpret to display web pages.
These file extensions are primarily used for web pages. When you navigate to a website, the URL might end with either .htm or .html, signifying the file format.
Here’s the crux of the matter—there’s virtually no difference between .html and .htm files in terms of content and functionality. You can effortlessly switch between the two by renaming the file, and your web browser will render them identically.
So, why do we have these two seemingly redundant file extensions? Well, it’s a throwback to a time when operating systems had constraints on file extensions. Let’s take a stroll down memory lane to understand this better.
ile extensions were limited to three characters on many operating systems. Microsoft Windows, the reigning champion among OSs, adhered to this rule. As a result, many web pages created during this era bear the .htm file extension.
Difference between htm and html in Detail
| Basis for Comparison | HTML | HTM |
|---|---|---|
| Extension | .html is used as an extension for HTML files or web pages. | .htm is used as an extension for HTML files or web pages. |
| Usage | Nowadays, HTML extension is widely used for files and web pages. | HTM extension was commonly used in older times. |
| Modern Focus | In modern systems, the primary focus is on the HTML extension. | HTM extension is not a top priority for modern systems. |
| Length | HTML has a four-letter extension. | HTM has a three-letter extension. |
| Operating Systems | HTML extension is used in new operating systems. | HTM extension can be used in both old operating systems like DOS and new ones. |
HTML files, also known as Hypertext Markup Language files, can have extensions in either .html or .htm format. The main difference between HTML and HTM is just one letter: the letter ‘L.’
This distinction arose because older operating systems had limitations, and they couldn’t handle file extensions with more than three letters. So, HTM was introduced as a shorter alternative.
All web browsers can open both HTM and HTML files without any issues. However, most web servers prefer to host only .html files to enhance security and avoid displaying .htm extension files unintentionally.
In the end, HTML and HTM are essentially the same. They display identical content and use the same scripting. The choice between the two extensions comes down to user preference and what sounds more comfortable for a particular application or file name.
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