What purpose does HTML primarily serve in web development?

HTML, or Hypertext Markup Language, is the foundational language used in web development primarily for structuring content on web pages. It defines elements such as headings, paragraphs, links, images, lists, and other components that organize and present information in a readable format for users.

By using HTML, developers can create a coherent structure for their content that allows browsers to interpret and display the information correctly. This structured approach ensures that the website is user-friendly, accessible, and easy to navigate, making the content organized and enhancing the overall user experience.

The other options do not accurately capture the primary purpose of HTML. For instance, while CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) is responsible for styling web pages, including colors, fonts, and layouts, HTML itself does not handle these styling aspects. Similarly, database connectivity involves technologies like SQL or server-side languages (such as PHP or Python), and handling server-side logic pertains to programming that runs on the server, typically managed by scripting languages rather than HTML. Therefore, the emphasis on HTML's role as the structure of web pages positions it accurately as the correct answer.