Definition
Hypertext most often refers to text on a computer
that will lead the user to other, related information on demand. Hypertext
represents a relatively recent innovation to user interfaces, which overcomes
some of the limitations of written text. Rather than remaining static like
traditional text, hypertext makes possible a dynamic organization of
information through links and connections (called hyperlinks).
Hypertext can be designed to perform various tasks; for instance when a user
"clicks" on it or "hovers" over it, a bubble with a word
definition may appear, a web page on a related subject may load, a video clip
may run, or an application may open.
Etymology
The
prefix hyper- (comes from the Greek prefix
"υπερ-" and means "over" or
"beyond") signifies the overcoming of the old linear constraints of
written text. The term "hypertext" is often used where the term hypermedia
might seem appropriate. In 1992 Ted Nelson
- who coined both terms in 1965 - wrote:
“By now the word "hypertext" has
become generally accepted for branching and responding text, but the
corresponding word "hypermedia," meaning complexes of branching and
responding graphics, movies and sound - as well as text - is much less used.
Instead they use the strange term "interactive multimedia" - four
syllables longer, and not expressing the idea that it extends hypertext. -
Nelson, Literary Machines 1992”
Types
and uses of hypertext
Hypertext
documents can either be static (prepared and stored in advance) or dynamic
(continually changing in response to user input). Static hypertext can be used
to cross-reference collections of data in documents, software applications, or
books on CDs. A well-constructed system can also incorporate other
user-interface conventions, such as menus and command lines. Hypertext can
develop very complex and dynamic systems of linking and cross-referencing. The
most famous implementation of hypertext is the World
Wide Web.
© http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hypertext
(Date: 09-12-08)
