Frontend Dogma

XHTML in Modern Web Development

by @markupninja@hachyderm.io on , tagged , , (toot this?)

XHTML, despite effectively having been replaced by the HTML5 standard (HTML) in modern web development, continues to exert influence on current practices and standards. Here’s how, years after HTML5 shipped and XHTML was essentially deprecated (“using the XML syntax is not recommended”), we can still tell.

One of the most significant ways it does so is through its strict syntax rules, which have instilled a culture of well-structured (though not necessarily valid) code. This legacy encourages developers to maintain clear and organized markup, even in the more lenient environment of HTML.

Developers trained during the XHTML era have often carried forward the habit of closing all tags and quoting all attribute values, even though HTML allows more flexibility. This is said to result in more consistent and predictable behavior across different browsers and devices, but given the widespread support for features only available in HTML (like leaving out certain start and end tags), this edge may be imagined rather than real.

Advocacy for omitting optional markup, such as end tags for certain elements in HTML, is an example of how XHTML’s influence is subtly challenged in contemporary practices. While XHTML required strict closing tags, this approach promotes minimalism and efficiency. However, even the minimalist approach is rooted in the understanding of XHTML’s rules, demonstrating how knowledge of XHTML’s syntax informs even those who deviate from it.

XHTML’s impact is also visible in the realm of content management systems and web frameworks, many of which were originally designed to output XHTML-compliant code. This legacy means that even modern versions of these tools often include options for XHTML output or follow its principles.

Accessibility standards, such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), have also been shaped by the structured approach promoted by XHTML. The emphasis on well-formed code and the use of appropriate tags for content types has been said to drive accessibility improvements in modern web design, ensuring that websites are usable by people with a wide range of abilities. (“Has been said” because there’s no evidence HTML itself wouldn’t have led to the same improvements.)

The influence of XHTML extends to internationalization and localization practices as well. XHTML’s strict encoding rules and its promotion of Unicode as the standard character set laid the groundwork for modern best practices in creating globally accessible websites. This ensures that content can be properly displayed and interacted with in multiple languages and regions.

Lastly, the documentation and educational resources developed during the XHTML period continue to be a reference point for new developers. The explanations and examples of XHTML’s syntax and structure provide a strong foundation for understanding the nuances of HTML, thus perpetuating XHTML’s influence in shaping the skill set of modern web developers.

This brings us back to the start: While XHTML has been replaced by HTML in modern web development, it’s still shaping current practices and standards. XHTML is dead—and still alive.

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