samp

Represents sample or quoted output from a computer program. Rendered in monospace font.

Description

The <samp> element represents sample output from a computer program. VB styles it in var(--font-mono) at 0.9em. It is part of VB's code-family elements alongside <code>, <kbd>, and <var>, and is automatically protected from machine translation via the i18n system.

When to Use

  • Command output: Results from terminal commands
  • Error messages: System error text
  • Status messages: Build output, test results
  • API responses: Showing what a system returns

When NOT to Use

  • For code the user writes — use <code>
  • For keyboard input — use <kbd>
  • For variables — use <var>

Examples

Mixed with kbd

Pair <kbd> (user input) with <samp> (system response) to document command-line workflows:

CSS Reference

Unlike <code>, <samp> has no background or padding — output text should feel like raw system text, not highlighted code.

Accessibility

  • Screen readers read <samp> as regular text — the monospace styling is visual only
  • Provide context: "The system responded with..." or "Error:" before the output

Related

  • <code> — For source code the user writes
  • <kbd> — For keyboard input from the user
  • <var> — For variables in code or math
  • Internationalization — Translation protection for code-family elements
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