The <param> tag passes parameters to embedded objects inside an <object> element. It's a void element (self-closing) that uses name and value attributes. Note: This tag is obsolete in HTML5 and was primarily used with Java applets and plugins.

<param

Step 2

The <param> tag must be inside an <object> element, before any fallback content. It requires both name and value attributes. The name attribute specifies the parameter name, and value specifies the parameter value. Multiple param elements can be used to pass multiple parameters.

<object data="applet.jar">
  <param name="code" value="MyApplet.class">
  <param name="width" value="300">
  <param name="height" value="200">
</object>

Step 3

Historical use cases: Java applets, Flash plugins, ActiveX controls. Modern alternatives: Use JavaScript APIs, Web Components, or iframe for embedding content. The param tag is deprecated because these technologies are no longer supported in modern browsers.

<object data="plugin.swf">
  <param name="movie" value="plugin.swf">
  <param name="quality" value="high">
</object>

Step 4

In modern browsers, param elements are ignored because the technologies they supported (Java applets, Flash) are no longer available. If you need to embed content, use modern alternatives like iframe, embed, or JavaScript-based solutions.

<object data="applet.jar">
  <param name="code" value="MyApplet.class">
</object>

Step 5

Checkpoint: Which element passes parameters to embedded objects?

<object>
  <param name="key" value="value">
</object>

Step 6

Correct! The <param> tag passes parameters to embedded objects inside an <object> element. However, note that this tag is obsolete in HTML5 and modern browsers no longer support the technologies it was designed for.

<object>
  <param name="key" value="value">
</object>

Step 7

Now it's your turn. While param is obsolete, understanding legacy HTML helps when maintaining old code. Complete the challenges below to master the <param> tag!

param.html

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Tutor:The <param> tag passes parameters to embedded objects inside an <object> element. It's a void element (self-closing) that uses name and value attributes. Note: This tag is obsolete in HTML5 and was primarily used with Java applets and plugins.

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Concept 1: The Param Tag

The <param> tag passes parameters to embedded objects inside an <object> element. It's a void element (self-closing) that uses name and value attributes. Note: This tag is obsolete in HTML5 and was primarily used with Java applets and plugins.

System Check

Which element passes parameters to embedded objects?

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HTML <param> Tag (Obsolete)

Pascual Vila

Frontend Instructor.

⚠️ Obsolete Element

The <param> tag is obsolete in HTML5. It was used with Java applets and Flash plugins, which are no longer supported in modern browsers. Use modern alternatives like JavaScript APIs, Web Components, or iframe for embedding content.

Structure and Attributes

The <param> tag must be inside an <object> element, before any fallback content. It requires both name and value attributes. The name attribute specifies the parameter name, and value specifies the parameter value. Multiple param elements can be used to pass multiple parameters.

Historical Use Cases

Historical use cases include: Java applets, Flash plugins, ActiveX controls. Modern alternatives: Use JavaScript APIs, Web Components, or iframe for embedding content. The param tag is deprecated because these technologies are no longer supported in modern browsers.

Modern Alternatives

Instead of using <param> with obsolete technologies, use modern alternatives: JavaScript APIs for interactive content, Web Components for reusable UI elements, iframe for embedding external content, or native HTML5 elements like <video> and <audio> for media.

Param Tag Glossary

<param> (Obsolete): HTML element (obsolete in HTML5) that passes parameters to embedded objects inside an <object> element. Must be inside <object>. Requires name and value attributes. Was used with Java applets and Flash plugins.
name Attribute: Required attribute on <param> that specifies the parameter name. Used together with the value attribute to pass configuration to embedded objects.
value Attribute: Required attribute on <param> that specifies the parameter value. Used together with the name attribute to pass configuration to embedded objects.
<object>: HTML element that embeds external objects into HTML. The param element must be inside an object element. Many traditional uses of object (with param) are now obsolete.
Obsolete Status: The param tag is obsolete in HTML5 because it was used with Java applets and Flash plugins, which are no longer supported in modern browsers. Modern alternatives include JavaScript APIs, Web Components, and iframe.

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