What are HTML attributes used for?

HTML attributes play a crucial role in defining the properties or behavior of an element. Each HTML element can have various attributes that provide additional information about that element. These attributes can set properties such as an element's ID, class, the source of an image, or the target of a link. They enable developers to customize the functionality and presentation of elements beyond their basic structure.

For instance, the "href" attribute on an anchor tag specifies the URL the link points to, while the "src" attribute on an image tag indicates the image file to display. Thus, attributes enhance the semantics of HTML elements and enhance user interaction by controlling aspects like behavior, interaction, and data binding, which is essential for building dynamic web applications.

While some other options touch on aspects related to HTML, they do not accurately describe the primary function of attributes. For example, some options suggest that attributes handle layout or styling directly, which is not their purpose—these tasks are typically managed by CSS. Understanding the role of attributes is fundamental for effectively utilizing HTML in web development.