Non-Breaking Hyphen in HTML: A Quick and Easy Guide

In HTML, a non-breaking hyphen HTML is represented by “­” code. A non-breaking hyphen serves as a unique character designed to stop a line of text from breaking at the point where the hyphen is, ensuring that it remains connected with the subsequent word.

Non-breaking hyphens are special characters used in HTML and CSS to prevent a line of text from breaking between the hyphen and the next word. They are valuable for keeping compound words together and ensuring hyphens do not turn into non-breaking dashes.

This article explains how to insert non-breaking hyphens in HTML and CSS, provides examples, and offers tips for practical usage.

Methods for Inserting Non-Breaking Hyphens HTML

There are three methods to insert non-breaking hyphens in HTML:

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HTML Entity

The non-breaking hyphen HTML entity is ­. To use this method, add ­ in your HTML code where you want the non-breaking hyphen to appear.

Decimal Code

The decimal code for the non-breaking hyphen is 8209. To use this method, add ‑ in your HTML code where you want the non-breaking hyphen HTML.

Hexadecimal Code

The hexadecimal code for the non-breaking hyphen is ‑. Insert this code in your HTML as ‑ to create a non-breaking hyphen.

Example of Non-Breaking Hyphen HTML:

Using Non-Breaking Hyphens in CSS

You can use non-breaking hyphens in CSS to prevent words from breaking at specific points. You can achieve this by setting the content property with the hexadecimal code for the non-breaking hyphen and the desired word.

Example of Non-Breaking Hyphen word in CSS:

Benefits and Applications

Non-breaking hyphens offer several benefits and applications:

Keeping Compound Words Together

Non-breaking hyphens help maintain compound words, such as “mother-in-law” or “self-service,” as a single unit.

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Preventing Hyphens from Becoming HTML Non-breaking Dashes

Using non-breaking hyphens prevents situations where hyphens are automatically converted to dashes, like writing “15-20” instead of “15-20.”

CSS Text Control

In CSS, non-breaking hyphens allow precise control over text rendering, ensuring specific words remain together in a line.

Best Practices for Using Non-Breaking Hyphens HTML

To make the most of non-breaking hyphens, follow these best practices:

Differentiate from Regular Hyphens

Regular hyphens join words together, while non-breaking hyphens prevent breaks. Use them appropriately for their distinct purposes.

Avoid Unnecessary Usage

Use non-breaking hyphens only when necessary to avoid awkward text formatting.

Be Mindful of Non-Breaking Characters: Refrain from combining non-breaking hyphens with other non-breaking characters, like non-breaking spaces, to prevent text corruption.

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Codes to Represent a Non-breaking Hyphen

You can use a specific code to represent a non-breaking hyphen in HTML. This unique character prevents a line of text from breaking between the hyphen and the word that follows it. By doing so, you can ensure that certain words stay together as a single unit, even when the browser window is narrow. This is especially useful for compound words or to prevent a regular hyphen from turning into a dash.

To insert a non-breaking hyphen in HTML, you have three options:

HTML Entity

In HTML, you can utilize the HTML entity “­” to implement a non-breaking hyphen. Incorporating this entity into your HTML code ensures that the text will remain unbroken, preventing any undesirable line breaks between the hyphen and the subsequent word.

Decimal Code

Using the alt code “8209” is another reliable method to maintain your content’s proper formatting and readability, especially when dealing with hyphenated words that should not be separate across different lines. Whether you choose to use the HTML entity “­” or the alt code “8209”, both approaches prevent unwanted line breaks and ensure a seamless presentation of your text.

Hexadecimal Code

The non-breaking hyphen, represented by the HTML entity “­” or the alt code “8209”, ensures that hyphenated words remain hyphenated on the same line, preventing any disruptive line breaks between the hyphen and the following word. This is particularly crucial in cases where the hyphenation is essential for understanding the meaning of a term or phrase.

Incorporating non-breaking hyphens in HTML is a practical way to maintain the intended structure and presentation of text, ensuring that specific word combinations stay together without unwanted line breaks.

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FAQs

What is a non-breaking hyphen?

A non-breaking hyphen is a unique character that prevents a line of text from breaking between the hyphen and the next word. Its purpose is to keep words together, especially compound words, and prevent a hyphen from being converted into a dash.

How do I insert a non-breaking hyphen in HTML?

You can insert a non-breaking hyphen in HTML using three methods: 1. Using the HTML entity: Type ­ in your HTML code where you want the non-breaking hyphen to appear. 2. Using the decimal code: Type ‑ in your HTML code to insert the non-breaking hyphen with the decimal code 8209. 3. Using the hexadecimal code: Type ‑ in your HTML code to insert the non-breaking hyphen with the hexadecimal code x2011.

How do I use non-breaking hyphens in CSS?

You can utilize non-breaking hyphens in CSS to prevent words from breaking at specific points in a line of text. This CSS code sets the content property to the hexadecimal code for the non-breaking hyphen, followed by the word 'multi-part.' This ensures that 'multi-part' always appears as a single word, regardless of the browser window's width.

What are some common mistakes to avoid when using non-breaking hyphens?

Avoid using non-breaking hyphens as a substitute for regular hyphens, as their purposes differ. Regular hyphens join words together, while non-breaking hyphens prevent breaks. Refrain from using non-breaking hyphens where they are unnecessary, which may lead to awkward text formatting. Do not combine non-breaking hyphens with other characters, such as non-breaking spaces, to prevent text corruption.

What are some benefits of using non-breaking hyphens?

1. Consistent Text Appearance: Non-breaking hyphens ensure that your text maintains its intended structure, even in narrow columns or on small screens. 2. Improved Readability: By preventing words from breaking unexpectedly, non-breaking hyphens enhance the text's overall readability. 3. Intended Display: Using non-breaking hyphens guarantees that your text is always displayed as intended, without unwanted line breaks or formatting issues.

Conclusion

Non-breaking hyphens are crucial in HTML and CSS, allowing developers to keep words together, maintain compound words, and prevent unwanted line breaks. By understanding the methods for insertion, their applications, and best practices, you can leverage non-breaking hyphens effectively to ensure your text appears as intended, regardless of browser window size.

Non-breaking hyphens are valuable for preserving word cohesion in HTML and CSS. By employing non-breaking hyphens, you can ensure that your text maintains its intended appearance, even when viewed on narrow browser windows.

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Hence, it would be best if you remembered that non-breaking hyphens are represented using the HTML entity. Alternatively, you can use the decimal code 8209 or the hexadecimal code x2011 to describe a non-breaking hyphen in HTML.

Moreover, non-breaking hyphens find application in both HTML and CSS, allowing you to prevent word breaks at specific points. Implementing non-breaking hyphens helps maintain your text’s visual consistency and readability.

It is essential to avoid using non-breaking hyphens as substitutes for regular hyphens since their purposes are distinct. Regular hyphens are to join words together.

Remembering these points, you can effectively utilize non-breaking hyphens to ensure a seamless and visually appealing presentation of your text, regardless of the browser window’s width.