One can interrelate information elements by using certain features of texts wherein links of the topic related to the content that is written are provided in a certain document.
The text displayed on a device can be either plain text or can also provide us with graphics, images, and other features. Two of such features are 1. Hypertext, and 2. Hypermedia. They both might seem to have the same meaning, but there are differences between these two concepts.
Key Takeaways
- Hypertext is a type of document that contains links to other documents. At the same time, hypermedia is a document containing links to other media types, such as images, audio, and video.
- Hypertext is commonly used on the World Wide Web to create links between web pages, while hypermedia is used in multimedia applications such as interactive games and educational software.
- Hypertext is limited to linking text-based documents, while hypermedia can link various media types.
Hypertext vs Hypermedia
“Hypertext” refers to text displayed on a computer or other electronic device with references (hyperlinks) to other text that the reader can immediately access. Hypermedia” is not limited to text and includes graphics, audio, video, and other forms of data.
The text portrayed on a certain electronic gadget, along with hyperlinks to other texts that can be accessible to users immediately, is known as hypertext.
Ted Nelson gave the world the term “hypertext” in the year 1963. Hypertext enables users to get their desired information over the internet easily.
A feature similar to hypertext that has the inclusion of graphics, video, audio, and even images is known as Hypermedia. The initial inclusion of the term Hypermedia was made by Ted Nelson in one of his articles in the year 1965.
The modern mediums of providing Hypermedia to users are through electronic pages and systems, including web browsers, media players, etc.
Comparison Table
| Parameters of Comparison | Hypertext | Hypermedia |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | The text portrayed on a certain electronic gadget, along with hyperlinks to other texts and that can be accessible to users immediately, is known as hypertext. | The feature similar to hypertext that includes graphics, video, audio, and even images is known as Hypermedia. |
| Subtypes | Axial Hypertexts, Arborescent Hypertexts, Networked Hypertexts, Layered Hypertexts. | HTML, JSON-API, Collection+JSON, Siren, UBER. |
| Management of | Information related to plain texts. | Connection of hypertext with media that includes graphics, audio, video, etc. |
| Links | Texts are a part of the link. | Text and multimedia are parts of the link. |
| Technology | Based on human-computer interactions. | Based on non-linear forms of media. |
| Applications/uses | Electronic studying, qualitative research, and analysis, literary exploration. | Communication systems, to portray information, in research databases, in electronic library systems. |
| Advantages | Presentation of information to an appropriate extent provides appropriate readings of a document. Links are provided. | Allows sharing of links, the flow of the application can be changed, new links can be introduced, easy to browse, references provided can be traced, and information provided can be structured in the desired manner. |
| Disadvantages | It probably provides unreliable information. No background information is immediately linked. | Probability of broken links, users might browse hurriedly. |
What is Hypertext?
The text portrayed on a certain electronic gadget, along with hyperlinks to other texts that can be accessible to users immediately, is known as hypertext.
Ted Nelson gave the world the term “hypertext” in the year 1963, and it is now considered one of the fundamental concepts. In hypertext, the management of information related to plain texts is done.
It is immediately portrayed on the user’s electronic device with hyperlinks to other texts. The etymology of the word “hypertext” is “hyper,” which means extension or notion, and “text” means a presentation of words in the form of written or printed work.
The hypertext documents can be stored beforehand or changed with the user’s input over time.
The inspiration for the concept of hypertext is considered to be derived from the short story named “The Garden of Forking Paths.” This short story was written by Jorge Luis Borges in the year 1941.
Later on, many experts and intellectuals put forth their theories and ideas regarding the concept.
The first Hypertext system was called ZOG. Carnegie Mellon University, in the mid-1970s, developed this system for the usage of documents on certain aircraft carriers.
This hypertext system was further updated into KMS. The concept of hypertext has evolved immensely ever since its establishment and has become increasingly popular among its users.
What is Hypermedia?
A feature similar to hypertext that has the inclusion of graphics, video, audio, and even images is known as Hypermedia. The initial inclusion of the term Hypermedia was made by Ted Nelson in one of his articles in the year 1965.
It is provided to users through electronic pages, web browsers, media players, etc.
The Aspen Movie Map is considered the first Hypermedia work. However, Bill Atkinson’s HyperCard thoroughly popularized the concept of Hypermedia writing. Audio Hypermedia is blooming at present with features like voice commanding devices and voice browsing.
Hypermedia applications might be created by using several multimedia development software, for instance, Adobe Flash, Adobe Director, etc. They are a part of the development tools that might be used for developing the concept of Hypermedia.
Hypermedia in learning and education is a collaborative methodology that enables students to learn and study in the instructional environment.
Hypermedia has several applications, advantages, and disadvantages. Over time, hypermedia has managed to create a creative and informative space for its readers and users.
It has opened up the horizons of learning and given it a different shade. Many characteristics of Hypermedia create traction.
Main Differences Between Hypertext and Hypermedia
- Hypertext includes texts. On the other hand, Hypermedia includes graphics, audio, video, images, etc.
- Hypertext is a part of Hypermedia. On the other hand, hypermedia is an independent concept.
- Hypertext represents the content in an electronic text format. On the other hand, hypermedia represents the content in a non-linear linked manner.
- Hypertext becomes the segment of the link. On the other hand, in Hypermedia, the text of multimedia becomes a segment of the link.
- In Hypermedia, users can move from one page to another page by clicking on a text or any other multimedia. On the other hand, in hypertext, users can move from one document to another document with a single click.
- https://www.jstor.org/stable/44428959
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0747563209001757
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While the benefits of hypertext and hypermedia are well-presented, a more in-depth exploration of their potential shortcomings would provide a balanced perspective on their usage.
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Absolutely, the historical context and the development of hypertext and hypermedia systems over time provide valuable insights into their significance.
I appreciate the historical context provided in this article, especially the references to Jorge Luis Borges and the development of hypertext systems at Carnegie Mellon University.
Yes, understanding the origins of hypertext and hypermedia deepens our appreciation for their significance in modern digital communication.
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Absolutely, the potential for hypermedia to change the flow of applications and introduce new links is groundbreaking in digital content creation.
While the article provides valuable information, the section on disadvantages could be further elaborated to address potential challenges in the use of hypertext and hypermedia.
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Indeed, the connection to Jorge Luis Borges’ ‘The Garden of Forking Paths’ adds a fascinating dimension to the history of hypertext.
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