HTML thead Tag

The HTML <thead> tag is used to define the header section of an HTML table. It is typically placed before the <tbody> and <tfoot> sections and contains one or more rows (<tr>) of header cells (<th>).

Here’s an example of how the <thead> tag can be used:

<table>
  <thead>
    <tr>
      <th>Header 1</th>
      <th>Header 2</th>
    </tr>
  </thead>
  <tbody>
    <tr>
      <td>Data 1</td>
      <td>Data 2</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>Data 3</td>
      <td>Data 4</td>
    </tr>
  </tbody>
  <tfoot>
    <tr>
      <td>Footer 1</td>
      <td>Footer 2</td>
    </tr>
  </tfoot>
</table>

In the above example, the <thead> tag is used to enclose the header row of the table. The content within the <thead> tag consists of one or more <tr> (table row) elements, which contain the header cells represented by <th> (table header) elements.

The <thead> section is used to group and semantically mark up the header cells of the table. By using <thead>, you can indicate that the enclosed rows are the headers of the table and differentiate them from the data cells within the <tbody> section.

The <thead> tag is optional, but it is considered good practice to use it when creating tables, especially if your table has a distinct header that provides important information or labels for the table columns.

Styling the <thead> section using CSS allows you to customize its appearance, such as applying background colors, font styles, alignments, or any other visual properties to make the header stand out from the rest of the table.

Using the <thead> tag not only helps structure your table but also improves accessibility by allowing screen readers and assistive technologies to identify and announce the table headers accurately.

By appropriately utilizing the <thead> tag, you can enhance the organization and clarity of your HTML tables by providing a designated section for header cells, making it easier for users to understand the table structure and its content.