What is the function of value=1

Question

As in this case value value=male:

<input type="radio" name="gender" value="male" /> Male <br />
<input type="radio" name="gender" value="female" /> Female <br />

Answer 1

When using a form, value dictates what that form's selections were when it's sent in. PHP and I think JavaScript handle those values.
Ex: If you have radio buttons asking for a user's gender, their values might be "M" and "F", respectively.

Answer 2

something like this:
<input type="radio" name="gender" value="male" /> Male <br />
<input type="radio" name="gender" value="female" /> Female <br />