Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: By using an HTML meta refresh tag or HTTP redirect that automatically loads the new page.
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
There are many situations in web development where you want users to be sent automatically from one page to another. Examples include redirecting old URLs to new ones, forwarding users after login, or sending them to a success page after a form submission. This question asks how such automatic transfer is typically done without requiring a manual click from the user.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
Automatic redirection can be implemented either at the server level or in the HTML. On the client side, a common technique is a meta refresh tag placed in the head of an HTML page, telling the browser to load a new URL after a delay. On the server side, HTTP redirect status codes such as 301 or 302 instruct the browser to request a new URL immediately. A correct answer will mention the idea of a redirect or meta refresh and emphasise that the process is automatic.
Step-by-Step Solution:
1. Recall that a simple HTML example of a redirect uses a meta tag like: meta http-equiv="refresh" content="5;url=newpage.html".2. Alternatively, a server can respond with a 302 redirect and a Location header pointing to the new URL.3. Option A refers to an HTML meta refresh tag or HTTP redirect that automatically loads the new page. This matches the techniques described above.4. Option B discusses a standard hyperlink, which requires the user to click. This is not automatic.5. Option C mentions comments in the HTML source, which browsers ignore and thus cannot be used for navigation.6. Option D suggests changing background color, which is purely cosmetic and does not trigger navigation.7. Therefore, Option A is the correct answer.
Verification / Alternative check:
You can test a meta refresh by creating an HTML file that includes the meta refresh tag in the head section and opening it in a browser. After the specified time, the browser will automatically navigate to the new URL. Similarly, if you inspect the network traffic of a server side redirect, you will see an HTTP response with a redirect status and a Location header that causes the browser to load the target page. Both behaviours confirm the explanation in Option A.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option B is wrong because it describes manual navigation that relies on user action.Option C is wrong because comments do not affect browser behaviour.Option D is wrong because changing the background color does not instruct the browser to load another page.
Common Pitfalls:
One pitfall is overusing meta refresh with very short delays, which can be disorienting and may cause accessibility issues. Search engines may also treat some auto redirects as suspicious if misused. Modern best practice is to prefer server side HTTP redirects, which are more transparent and search engine friendly, and to use meta refresh only when server changes are not possible.
Final Answer:
By using an HTML meta refresh tag or HTTP redirect that automatically loads the new page.
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