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HTML big Tag

A look at the deprecated HTML <big> tag, which was used to make text one size larger, and why CSS is the modern alternative for controlling font size.

Introduction to HTML big Tag

The HTML <big> tag was a presentational element used to make the enclosed text render one font size larger than the surrounding text. For example, if the base font size was 3, text within <big> tags would typically render as if it were size 4.

Basic Syntax

html
<p>This is normal text, and <big>this text is bigger</big>.</p>
<p>You could even <big><big>nest them</big></big> for even bigger text.</p>

Why was it Deprecated?

The <big> tag, much like its counterpart <small> (though <small> was repurposed for side comments), and other presentational tags like <font> and <center>, was deprecated because it mixed content (HTML) with presentation (styling). Key reasons for its deprecation: 1. Separation of Concerns: Modern web standards strongly advocate for separating the structure of a document (HTML) from its visual presentation (CSS). The <big> tag violated this principle. 2. Limited Control: It only allowed for a relative increase in font size and didn't offer the fine-grained control that CSS provides (e.g., specific pixel sizes, ems, rems, percentages, viewport units). 3. Inconsistent Rendering: The exact amount by which the font size increased could vary between browsers. 4. Accessibility: Relying on such tags for visual styling could lead to less accessible designs. CSS offers more robust ways to ensure text is readable and scalable. 5. Maintainability: Changing font sizes across a site meant editing numerous HTML tags, which is inefficient compared to updating a central CSS file. The <big> tag is obsolete in HTML5 and should not be used in modern web development.

Modern Alternative: CSS

To control font sizes, you should always use Cascading Style Sheets (CSS). The font-size property in CSS provides precise control over text size. Examples using CSS:
html
<p>This is normal text, and <span style="font-size: larger;">this text is bigger</span>.</p>
<p>This text has a <span class="custom-large-text">custom large size</span>.</p>
css
/* Using a relative keyword */
.larger-text {
  font-size: larger;
}

/* Using a specific size (example) */
.custom-large-text {
  font-size: 1.2em; /* 120% of the parent's font size */
  /* or font-size: 20px; */
  /* or font-size: 1.2rem; */
}
By using CSS, you gain: - Precise control over font sizes using various units. - The ability to define font sizes in reusable classes. - Easier site-wide maintenance of text styles. - Better adherence to web standards and accessibility best practices.

Conclusion

The <big> tag is a deprecated HTML element that should be avoided. For all font size adjustments and text styling, CSS is the correct and modern approach. This ensures your website is maintainable, accessible, and conforms to current web development standards.
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