HTML <param> Tag

The <param> tag in HTML is used to define parameters for embedded objects, specified by the <object> tag. These parameters provide instructions or data that an object, like a Flash movie, Java applet, or other types of plugins, needs to function correctly or to customize its behavior. The <param> tag is always used inside an <object> tag.

Syntax

<param name="parameter_name" value="parameter_value">

Attributes

Example

<object data="my_applet.class" type="application/x-java-applet">
  <param name="code" value="my_applet.class">
  <param name="width" value="300">
  <param name="height" value="200">
  <p>Your browser does not support Java applets.</p>
</object>

More Examples

Example 1: Configuring a Flash Player

In the past, Flash movies required several parameters to be set correctly within an object tag. While Flash is deprecated, it serves as a good example of how <param> elements were used.

<object data="my_flash.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash">
    <param name="movie" value="my_flash.swf">
    <param name="quality" value="high">
    <param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF">
    <param name="allowFullScreen" value="true">
   <p> Your browser does not support flash content </p>
</object>

Explanation:

• movie: Specifies the path to the Flash file.
• quality: Sets the rendering quality.
• bgcolor: Specifies the background color.
• allowFullScreen: Allows the Flash content to go full screen.

Example 2: Using Parameters with Java Applets

Here's how parameters can be used with a Java applet. Note that Java applets are also largely outdated but demonstrate the usage of <param>.

<object type="application/x-java-applet" height="300" width="300">
    <param name="code" value="MyApplet.class">
    <param name="param1" value="Hello">
    <param name="param2" value="World">
  <p>Your browser does not support Java applets.</p>
</object>

Explanation:

• code: Specifies the main class file of the Java applet.
• param1 and param2: Custom parameters passed to the applet. The specific interpretation of custom parameters depends on how the Java applet is programmed.

Example 3: Using Parameters with other plugins

Though not as widely used as Flash or Java Applets used to be, plugins like Silverlight or other custom plugins could also use <param> to pass initialization parameters.

<object type="application/x-my-custom-plugin" data="myplugin.xpi" width="500" height="400">
    <param name="setting1" value="optionA">
    <param name="api_key" value="xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx">
    <p>This content requires a plugin to display.</p>
</object>

Explanation:

• data: Path to the plugin.
• setting1: A specific setting for the plugin, in this case a string value.
• api_key: Another example of a setting, perhaps an API key for the plugin to make calls to.

Browser Support

The <param> tag is supported by all major browsers.

Notes and Tips

• The <param> tag must be nested within an <object> tag to work correctly.
• The parameters required are defined by the specific object or plugin, which needs to be consulted to determine what names and values are needed.
• Parameters passed using <param> are usually read by the object during its initialization.
• While plugins like Flash and Java applets are not widely used now, the <param> tag remains relevant for situations involving embedded objects that require configuration parameters.
• Make sure that the name attribute of the <param> tag corresponds to the parameter expected by the object, or the parameters may be ignored.
• Use appropriate type attribute within the <object> tag that matches the type of the object that you are embedding.
• It is important to provide fallback content within the <object> tags for browsers that do not support the embedded object type.
• The <param> tag is an empty tag and does not have a closing tag.