In object-oriented programming, an object is a self-contained entity that consists of both data and manipulation procedures. Similarly, HTML 4.0 includes the element to extend HTML in order to make it more dynamic. allows an author to download external data or programs into the current page. This element can be used to gather other pieces of information, including Java applets, ActiveX controls, and possibly dHTML. The long-term goal of the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) is for the element to become the only way to embed data, replacing the and elements.