There are ways by which 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.
Hypertext vs Hypermedia
The main difference between hypertext and Hypermedia is the elements involved in both concepts. Hypertext involves only textual matter. On the other hand, Hypermedia involves video, audio, graphics, and even images. The references provided by both hypertext and Hypermedia are different. Hypertext refers to plain texts and the management of their information. On the contrary, Hypermedia refers to the connection of hypertext with other aspects like graphics, video, audio, images, etc.
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. Ted Nelson gave the world the term “hypertext” in the year 1963. Hypertext enables users to get their desired information over the internet easily.
The 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 is through electronic pages and systems, including web browsers, media players, etc.
Comparison Table Between Hypertext and Hypermedia
| 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 and 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, 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” means extension or notion, and “text” means a presentation of words in the form of written or printed work. The hypertext documents can be either stored beforehand or can be changed with the user’s input with time.
The inspiration of the concept of hypertext is often 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. The 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?
The 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 over the instructional environment.
Hypermedia has several applications, advantages, and disadvantages. Over time, hypermedia has managed to make a creative and informative space for its readers and users. It has opened up the horizons of learning and has given a different shade to it. 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.
Conclusion
Both the features have enabled users to enjoy the browsing experience and have created a great network outreach. They have their disadvantages, but the advantages are far more helpful.
Both hypertext and Hypermedia have managed to drive traffic because of their characteristic features. Users not only become inquisitive but also enjoy the informative content.
References
- https://www.jstor.org/stable/44428959
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0747563209001757