What should be the default option of an optional dropdown list containing search criteria?

1. How do I make the first value default in dropdown?
2. How do you define an option in a drop down list?

How do I make the first value default in dropdown?

The default value of the select element can be set by using the 'selected' attribute on the required option. This is a boolean attribute. The option that is having the 'selected' attribute will be displayed by default on the dropdown list.

How do you define an option in a drop down list?

To include an option in a drop-down list, use the <option> tag in HTML. The HTML <option> tag is used within a form for defining options in the drop-down list. Disables the input control.