Introduction to SVG in HTML

Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG) is an XML-based format for defining vector graphics. SVG is used in HTML to create graphics that are scalable without losing quality.

Key Concepts

• Vector Graphics: Unlike raster graphics (like JPEG or PNG), vector graphics use mathematical equations to represent images, allowing them to be scaled infinitely without losing quality.
• XML Format: SVG is written in XML, which means it can be created and edited with any text editor. This also allows for easy manipulation using JavaScript and CSS.
• Integration with HTML: SVG can be embedded directly in HTML documents, making it easy to include graphics in web pages.

Benefits of SVG

• Scalability: SVG images can be resized to any dimension without loss of quality.
• Interactivity: SVG supports user interaction through events, allowing for dynamic graphics.
• Styling: SVG graphics can be styled with CSS, enabling customization of colors, shapes, and other visual aspects.

Basic SVG Syntax

To create an SVG graphic, you use the <svg> tag. Here’s a simple example of an SVG containing a circle:

<svg width="100" height="100">
  <circle cx="50" cy="50" r="40" stroke="black" stroke-width="3" fill="red" />
</svg>

Explanation of the Example

• <svg width="100" height="100">: This creates an SVG container that is 100 pixels wide and 100 pixels tall.
• <circle cx="50" cy="50" r="40" ... />: This defines a circle with:
  • cx and cy: The coordinates for the center of the circle.
  • r: The radius of the circle.
  • stroke: The color of the circle's outline.
  • stroke-width: The thickness of the outline.
  • fill: The color inside the circle.

Conclusion

SVG is a powerful tool for creating graphics on the web. Its scalability, interactivity, and ability to be styled with CSS make it a popular choice for web developers. Beginners can start experimenting with SVG by embedding simple shapes and gradually exploring more complex graphics.