What is a wireframe in web design?

A wireframe in web design serves as a visual blueprint of a web page layout. It provides a simplified illustration of the structure and functionality of the page, demonstrating the placement of elements such as headers, footers, navigation menus, and content areas without focusing on design details such as colors, fonts, or images.

Wireframes are essential in the early stages of web design, allowing designers, developers, and stakeholders to understand and discuss the website's layout and user experience before investing time and resources into more intricate design elements. This helps to ensure that everyone involved has a clear understanding of the intended design and functionality, enabling a more efficient development process.

In contrast, other options such as debugging tools, graphic design programs, or HTML writing programs do not encapsulate the primary purpose of a wireframe in web design. These options serve different roles in the web development process, making it clear that wireframes have a distinct and crucial function in visualizing the layout and structure of web pages.