HTML best practices
HTML, or Hypertext Markup Language, is arguably the cornerstone on which all online content are built. It is a simple programming language that, when interpreted by a browser, renders the website visually onto the user’s monitor. As the most basic component of a website, it is easily learned and deceptive in its simplicity. However, one should not underestimate the value of HTML in web design. A poorly written HTML script is the leading cause of errors in webpage load and website interface.
Some years ago, a governing body that will standardize all website content was formed by the leading personas of the online communities, and thus the World Wide Web Consortium, or W3C, was born. The W3C began its existence by formulating and publishing standard gauges, or benchmarks, that any content to be published online can be measured against. This not only drastically cut the number of dysfunctional websites in the web, these helpful benchmarks also enabled the web designer to check if the particular design he or she is working on is error-free, by checking it with the specific W3C benchmarking utility.
With HTML being the most basic, its corresponding utility should be the first stop for checks. A webpage typically incorporates a Document Type Definition which will determine which among several set of rules its HTML coding will follow. An important concern here is how the page will load using different browsers. Surprisingly, there are some well-known browsers that are still non-compliant with W3C standards, with MS Internet Explorer being the most famous example. This problem can be worked around by not employing the stricter W3C set of rules, but then it will make the website more flexible in terms of cross-browser compatibility.
HTML coding is commonly misused in that certain websites use it for its style element, a practice that was rendered obsolete with the introduction of CSS to serve this purpose. HTML is more appropriately used for structuring the webpage’s contents. In no way should it be used to define the actual properties of those contents. And although it is possible to do so, this is a task more suited to cascading style sheets.
Another important thing to remember is to avoid using HTML in providing the functional aspects of the webpage, especially for its more dynamic elements. User interface is better left to other programming languages such as JavaScript. Use HTML for static content such as text or images. Dynamic elements are instead embedded onto HTML manually, or through server-based formats such as ASP. By using HTML exclusively for its intended purpose, which is to define content, a website will be easier to maintain, and will keep its flexibility better than one with cluttered coding.
One useful aspect to HTML is its ability to be written using only the most basic applications that handle text, such as MS Word or Notepad. However, it should be noted that this is only an illustration of how flexible HTML is. There are certainly applications that are more suitable for the purpose of scripting, and the best ones actually let the web designer manipulate several web formats all within the same package. These so-called WYSIWYG editors are gaining popularity with professionals because of their ease of use and time-saving qualities. Sophisticated web design should make use of this software, as a one-stop solution for even the most complicated needs.
The final task prior to publishing a website online is to validate its HTML code against the chosen standard to see if it will run smoothly, and to check for glitches and other errors. Fortunately, most of the specialized software used by designers already features a validation utility, eliminating the need to go elsewhere to do this. Alternatively, one can accomplish validating through any of available applications dedicated to this function, which are useful in the case of HTML written with basic text editors. One caveat, though, is that using these applications will not guarantee a 100 percent error-free, browser-compatible website. Should the site still not run properly after passing its validation test, it is recommended that second opinion from other developers is sought. Their input might prove valuable in spotting the root cause of the problem.
More information about HTML can be found in W3C’s website, where tutorials on proper HTML usage and updates in programming technology are available. For a professional to do a sound web design, he or she will need all the help that can be had, including the right applications and the right approach to HTML coding.
