How do you create a dropdown menu in HTML/CSS?

Creating a dropdown menu in HTML and CSS typically involves utilizing lists, particularly unordered lists, to structure the menu items. The technique leverages CSS for visual effects, such as displaying or hiding the dropdown items when the user interacts with the menu.

The approach works by nesting another list within a list item of the main menu. By applying CSS rules—such as display: none; on the submenu and using :hover pseudo-class on the main menu item—you can make the submenu visible when the user hovers over the main item. This method is widely used due to its simplicity and effectiveness, allowing for responsive and accessible designs without the need for additional scripts.

Other methods, such as embedding a form within the menu items, do not typically align with standard dropdown menu functionality and can confuse the user experience by mixing form controls and navigation. Linking separate HTML pages for each menu option lacks the dynamic interaction expected from a dropdown and would lead to page reloads instead of smooth navigation. Utilizing JavaScript to toggle elements is also a valid technique for creating dropdown menus; however, it is not strictly necessary for basic dropdown functionality and can introduce complexity that isn’t found in the less script-heavy method of using CSS with lists.