Alternative text, also known as alt text, is a descriptive text that is used to provide information about an image or graphic element on a website. It serves as an alternative for visually impaired individuals who use screen readers to access web content. Alt text should accurately describe the content and purpose of the image, allowing those with visual impairments to understand the context and meaning of the image. It also helps with search engine optimization by providing context for images, making them more accessible and relevant to search engines. In addition, alt text can enhance the overall user experience by providing additional information and context for images, making the website more inclusive and user-friendly.