When should you use <button> vs <a>?

Choosing Between <button> and <a> in HTML

Both <button> and <a> are interactive elements, but they serve different purposes. Choosing the correct element ensures proper semantics, accessibility, and user experience.

Key Differences

<a> – Represents a link to another page, resource, or section within the page. Primary purpose: navigation.
<button> – Represents an action or command on the current page, such as submitting a form, opening a modal, or toggling content.

When to Use Each

Use <a> when navigating to a new URL or location. Example: <a href="/about">About Us</a>
Use <button> when performing an action on the current page. Example: <button type="submit">Submit</button>

Correct use helps screen readers and other assistive technologies convey the proper role. Misusing these elements can confuse users.

Best Practices

Do not use <a> for actions that do not navigate; use <button> instead.
Do not use <button> for navigation; use <a> with a valid href.
Provide descriptive text or aria-label for buttons, especially icon-only buttons.
If styling a link as a button, ensure it remains accessible with a valid href.

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