7 characteristics of HYPERTEXT

The type of writing we use today is far from what was used just a few years ago. This has been caused, in large part, by the emergence of new technologies, that have allowed us to give one more spin to the texts we write. From this evolution hypertexts appeared.

The best way to understand a concept is by understanding what are the main characteristics by which it is governed. For this reason, in this lesson from a PROFESSOR we want to introduce you to the hypertext characteristics so you can get to know this new type of writing in depth.

hypertext is a non-sequential structure which allows the author create, add, link and share information from various sources. This is done through links that associate the web pages with each other. The hypertext, then, is the text that contains links to other texts or multimedia content.

This term first appeared in 1965 and currently, the most common way to find hypertext in computing is through the hyperlinks. If the reader clicks on a hyperlink, the program will directly show a document or web page linked, so that each user can create their own reading experience, without the need to follow an order concrete.

Theworld Wide Web (www) It is currently the largest and most popular hypertext network. The program we use to read hypertext documents on the web is known as a "browser" and when the user clicks on any of the links, they are automatically surfing the web.

We will help you understand the hypertext characteristics most prominent.

Multimedia

Hypertext, despite its name, is not only limited to written or textual content, but can also link any type of multimedia content, such as images, sounds, audiovisual documents, entire web pages, etc.

Digital

hypertext is typical of the digital and cybernetic medium, so it is impossible to transfer it to paper or other physical supports that are outside of computing. However, if we look a little closer, human memory works in a similar way.

Connective

Another of the characteristics of hypertext is that it is a connective text; that is, hypertext always connect to another part of the network, whatever the medium. There are exceptions in which the web page to which they lead is no longer available or the linked files have disappeared. Hyperlinks whose destination is not available are known as “down” or “broken”.

Interactive

The hypertext does not work by itself nor is it triggered automatically, but it will always require the action of a user to activate it. Activation is usually done by clicking the mouse on the blue link that is inserted in the text.

reusable

Another characteristic of hypertext is that it can be reused. Hypertext is not spent, but rather can be used again as many times as the users need.

Extensible

Hypertext allows the different reading experience for each user and that extends as much as he wishes. For this, it includes relevant documents and information available to the user, depending on his interests.

Transient

And we end up knowing the characteristics of hypertext. And it is that hypertexts are simply links that lead to another point in the network, so they will only be available until the landing page is also available.

The effectiveness of texts on the internet is very important, since we must ensure that users are satisfied with consuming our content. One way to determine the effectiveness of hypertext is to evaluate its usability with real readers and consider these 5 parameters:

1. That easily understand so that readers quickly understand how to navigate and what are the steps they must take to locate and obtain the information.
2. To be intuitive and easy to use to amplify readers' efficiency in finding the information they need quickly.
3. that leads to a place easy to remember so that users who want to find your information again after a few days of the first search, can do it again without too much difficulty.
4. It is essential that your hypertext don't have mistakes, so that it leads users exactly where they want to go and provides them with the information they need at all times.
5. let it be a flashy hypertext so that readers find it very curious and want to continue delving into the topic you are talking about.

Now that you know the characteristics of hypertexts, What are you waiting for to start using them in your digital writings? This will make your readers have a much more dynamic and interesting experience regarding your content. If you are interested in continuing to learn more about the types of texts that exist in the Spanish language, do not hesitate to consult our writing section.