Hypertext & Hypermedia
Hypertext and hypermedia are non-linear information
systems that allow users to navigate content using
links instead of reading in a fixed sequence.
1. Introduction
Traditional documents follow a linear structure. Hypertext and hypermedia allow users to move freely between related pieces of information using links.
- Non-linear navigation
- User-controlled information flow
2. Hypertext
Hypertext is a system of linked text documents where users can jump from one piece of text to another by selecting hyperlinks.
- Text-based links
- Used widely on the web
3. Components of Hypertext
- Nodes (text blocks)
- Links (connections)
- Anchors (link points)
4. Hypermedia
Hypermedia extends the concept of hypertext by including multimedia elements such as images, audio, video, and animation.
- Supports multimedia content
- More interactive than hypertext
5. Components of Hypermedia
- Multimedia nodes
- Hyperlinks
- Navigation controls
6. Hypertext vs Hypermedia
Hypertext Hypermedia ----------------------- ------------------------------ Text only Text + multimedia Simple navigation Rich interactive navigation Low storage Higher storage requirement
7. Advantages
- Flexible information access
- User-driven navigation
- Improved learning experience
8. Disadvantages
- May confuse users
- Requires careful design
9. Applications
- Websites and web applications
- E-learning systems
- Digital libraries
10. Examples
- Wikipedia (hypertext)
- Interactive learning portals (hypermedia)
- Online documentation
Practice Questions
- Define hypertext.
- What is hypermedia?
- List components of hypertext.
- Differentiate hypertext and hypermedia.
- State applications of hypermedia.
Practice Task
Explain with diagrams:
✔ Hypertext node-link structure
✔ Hypermedia navigation model
✔ Hypertext vs hypermedia comparison