The term “header” is used in various contexts, whereby it basically stands for a “header area” or “header line”. In IT and web development, the header has many different meanings, ranging from the structure of a website to e-mail communication and data packets in networks. In this article, we look at the different uses of the header and its importance in different areas.
Website header #
On websites, the header refers to the upper area, which often contains the logo, navigation and possibly contact details or search fields. This part of the website is usually constant on all subpages and plays a decisive role in user guidance and brand presentation.
Importance for SEO #
The structure of the header is important for search engine optimization (SEO). The use of semantic HTML elements such as <header>, <nav> and the targeted use of headings (e.g. <h1>) can help to make the content structure of the page clearer for search engines. It is important that the main title of the page is in a <h1> tag, as this signals to search engines what the page is about.
E-mail header #
In the context of emails, the header contains information about the message, such as the sender, recipient, date and subject. This information is not only visible to the user, but is also important for e-mail programs in order to deliver and classify the message correctly.
Network header #
In network technology, a header is the area of a data packet that contains information about the transmission, such as destination address, source address and protocol type. These headers enable network devices to route and process data packets correctly.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ) #
What is the difference between a header and a footer? The header is the upper part of a web page or document that contains important information and navigation options. The footer is located at the bottom and often contains additional links, imprint and contact details.
How does the header influence the SEO of a website? A well-structured header with semantic HTML tags and clear headings improves readability for search engines and can have a positive impact on search engine rankings.
Can headers be personalized? Yes, especially on websites, headers can be adapted to the brand identity and provided with dynamic elements such as user logins or personalized welcome texts.
Summary #
The header plays a central role in various IT areas and can vary from the structure of a website to e-mail information and network data. In the context of websites, the header is particularly important for user guidance and SEO.
Sources:
[1] https://www.eology.de/wiki/header
[2] https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Header
[3] https://www.seo-analyse.com/seo-lexikon/h/header/
[4] https://www.netprofit.de/lexikon/header.html
[5] https://dictionary.cambridge.org/de/worterbuch/englisch/header
[6] https://www.exovia.de/journal/header/
[7] https://www.computerweekly.com/de/definition/Header
[8] https://it-service.network/it-lexikon/e-mail-header