Plug-ins are external computer programs designed to extend the standard functionality of a web browser. While they were once the primary way to play videos or run games, modern HTML5 has replaced most of their functions.
In the past, plug-ins were used for:
Java Applets:For complex web applications.
Flash Players:For animations and movies.
ActiveX Controls:For specific Microsoft-based features.
Virus Scanning & Bank Verification.
Most modern browsers have discontinued support for Java Applets, ActiveX, and Shockwave Flash. For security and performance, it is highly recommended to use HTML5 (Video, Audio, and Canvas) instead of these older plug-ins.
The <object> element is supported by all browsers and is designed to embed different types of external content.
Or even Images:
The <embed> element also defines an embedded object. It has been used for a long time, but it only became an "official" part of the HTML standard with HTML5.
Does not have a closing tag.
Does not support alternative (fallback) text inside the tag.