In terms of web accessibility, what does "alt text" refer to?

"Alt text," short for alternative text, refers specifically to a text alternative for images used in web content. It serves a crucial role in making web content accessible, particularly for individuals who use screen readers due to visual impairments. When an image cannot be seen, the alt text provides a description that helps convey the information or function of the image, ensuring that all users can understand the context and purpose of the visual elements on the webpage.

This practice aligns with web accessibility standards and guidelines, such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), which highlight the importance of providing clear descriptions of images to facilitate understanding. The use of alt text enhances the overall user experience by ensuring inclusivity and comprehensibility for a broader audience.

The other options do not align with the definition of alt text. An audio version of website content pertains to a different accessibility feature. A coding error in web development does not relate to alt text, which is specifically intended for accessibility purposes. Lastly, while design elements for enhancing visuals are important in web development, they do not encompass the function of alt text, which is exclusively focused on providing textual descriptions for visual content.