Why should images have an alt attribute?
PICTURE THIS: HOW TO EXPLAIN IT
Simple meaning
Alt describes the image for screen readers and when the file fails to load.
WHY — HTML instead of guessing?
Why interviewers care about HTML:
on HTML.
the situation, the default choice, and one exception - that reads as experience.
Name the idea, why it exists, then one short example.
End with when you use it and one common pitfall.
STEPS — What happens step by step?
Before you speak the answer, walk the interviewer through these steps:
- 1Alt describes the image
for screen readers and when the file fails to load.
- 2Decorative images should use
empty alt so they are skipped.
- 3I keep alt short
and specific to what the user needs, not a keyword dump.
- 4Give an example
One tiny concrete case you can say aloud.
- 5Common mistake
What juniors usually get wrong.
- 6Close
When you pick this over the alternative.
EXAMPLE — See it in action
Here's a short line you can speak, broken into clear beats:
Note: Adapt this scaffold to your own project — keep it under 60–90 seconds.
Key takeaway
Alt describes the image for screen readers and when the file fails to load. Decorative images should use empty alt so they are skipped.