What is the purpose of hyperlinking?

The purpose of hyperlinking is to connect users to different locations on the web. Hyperlinks serve as a navigation tool that allows users to click on a linked piece of text or image to be directed to another page or resource, which could be on the same website or an entirely different one. This is essential for creating an interconnected web experience, enabling users to efficiently explore related content, access external references, or navigate through various sections of a site.

Hyperlinking enhances the usability and functionality of websites, guiding users seamlessly from one information source to another, thereby improving the overall user experience. In contrast, other options focus on different aspects of web development that are not directly related to the core purpose of hyperlinks. For example, formatting text pertains to the visual presentation, website loading speed involves optimization techniques, and protecting user data relates to security measures rather than linking content.