HTM File Format | .htm Extension

.htm extension is a kind of HTML web development and browsing file format. In this article, we will explore the .htm file format and how to use it effectively, its advantages and possible limitations, as well as applications.

What is the .htm Format?

The .htm file format is a modified version of the .html file format. Likewise, it has the same structure and function; it is written in plain text which is formatted using some HTML markup tags and links. The major disparity is in the file extension; .html for HTML files and .htm for HTM files. These file types constitute the basis for designing and displaying web pages on the internet.

Uses Of .htm format

The .htm file format is utilized for various purposes, mirroring the functionality of HTML:

• Creating web pages: .htm is the extension for files that contain text, images, media, and links that structure and show web content.
• Formatting text: Text formatting with tags in the .htm file allows for font selection, list creation, and table design.
• Embedding multimedia: Audio and video may also be incorporated into .htm files to increase the informative value of web pages.
• Developing forms: There are many user-interactive HTML forms that a .htm file can incorporate to allow user data entry, submission, and interaction.
• Linking web pages: Navigation of web pages through hyperlinks .htm files.

How to Run and Create .htm Format?

Just like opening an HTML file, it’s easy to run a .HTM file. To view the content, you need to:

Step 1: To Run .htm file first create a index.htm file then write some code like

Step 2: Open the file location where the index.htm file is created

Step 3: Then double click the index.htm file and your preferred web browser will open and present the content of that page correctly. after that output will look like this.

Another option is to enter the URL of a .HTM online file in the address bar of your web browser and access the internet web page.

Benefits Of .htm Format

The .HTM file format offers several advantages, which are akin to those of HTML:

• Universality: Like HTML files, .htm files can be universally supported, thus making the web page is accessible from different devices which have compatible web browsers.
• Accessibility: If .htm files are encoded correctly, they serve as a basis for creating content on the web that is accessible to people with disabilities.
• SEO-friendliness: Search engines are highly appreciative of well-organized .HTM documents, thereby boosting a site’s rating in the search engines.
• Compatibility: The htm format can be combined with several web technologies like CSS for formatting and JS for interactivity.

Limitations Of .htm Format

Despite its versatility, the .HTM file format shares the same limitations as HTML:

• Limited interactivity: In general, .HTM files are mainly used for presentations of content, whereas additional scripting languages such as JavaScript can be necessary for more advanced interactivity.
• Design constraints: One may require more styling with CSS for complex layouts and designs.
• Security: Unfortunately, .HTM files are on their own weak as far as security is concerned, hence any website that lacks adequate security is more susceptible to threats.

Applications that Use .htm Format

The .htm file format finds applications in various technologies and domains, including:

• Websites: The bulk of existing websites comprise of .htm files as a basis.
• Web applications: The user interface of many web applications including simple calculators and sophisticated productivity tools depend on .htm files.
• Email: emails or newsletters are formatted using .htm file, thus making them better looking.
• E-learning: .htm files are commonly used to present online courses and educational content.
• E-commerce: Product listing and checkout process are extensively applied as .htm in online shopping platforms.

Malware Concerns Associated with .HTM Files

Similarly, .htm itself is nothing inherently malicious, unless it involves delivering harmful, or starting a cyber attack. Malware concerns associated with .HTM files include:

• Drive-by downloads: .htm files are able to hide malicious scripts that cause automatic downloads of malware whenever visitors click on malicious web pages.
• Phishing: Phishing attacks that use .htm emails and web pages can trick users into giving out valuable information.
• Cross-Site Scripting (XSS): Malicious scripts may be injected into HTM code. This creates vulnerabilities on web applications and their users if not properly secured against the attacks.

Conclusion

HTM is an extension of the HTML file format for web development and internet content rendering. Web developers and users must understand how to use .htm files, their advantages, limitations, and potential security issues. Though, .htm files in themselves are not bad, vigilance and secure coding precautions should be on the alert for any possible danger of .htm files being used for malware spreading or cyber attack.