What is the purpose of using alt text for images in web development?

Using alt text for images serves the crucial function of providing a description of the images for accessibility. This is particularly important for users who rely on screen readers, which convert on-screen text to speech. When an image is present on a web page, the screen reader reads the alt text aloud, enabling visually impaired users to understand what the image conveys.

In addition to accessibility, alt text also supports web standards and best practices for inclusive design, ensuring that all users, regardless of their abilities, have a meaningful experience on the website. Furthermore, while alt text can have some impact on SEO, primarily by allowing search engines to better understand the content of images, its primary role is to support accessibility for users with disabilities.