A hypertext is a database system which provides a unique and non-sequential method of accessing information. The essential features of hypertext are nodes and links. Nodes can contain text, graphics, audio, video, animation, and images while links connect nodes related in a certain manner. It is the linking capability which allows the non-linear organization of text. We have seen some of the pioneers in this field and some of the systems they built which have paved the way to understand better the theoretical and practical aspects of hypertext.
There are a number of research issues related to the design, development, and application of hypertext systems. This paper is a review of literature related to all these issues. This chapter is an introduction to hypertext, some existing systems, and some pioneers who have contributed to the definition and understanding of many aspects related to hypertext.