Web Design Standards
Web 2.0:
Web design standards have been allowing more and more possibilities on the Internet. But with the increase in functions for a Web site there is also increase in knowledge to use the Web 2.0 features. Don't allow the label of "Web 2.0" to confuse or scare you - it simply is an indicator of the next version of coding capabilities.
The standards are actually W3C Recommendations. Following the recommendations means you are assuring yourself that as many people as possible can view your site as intended. For every standard you ignore you decrease the number of visitors to your site dramatically.
Compliance:
First, make sure you use current code - XHTML 1.0 transitional or strict. Mixing HTML 4.0 and XHTML 1.0 will be another road block for visitors. Browsers need to know what code to expect. Confusing the browser is simply telling it to go away. Browsers won't correct your invalid code. They are designed to render what code is found - they aren't going to presume correctly.
Use the <p> to designate a paragraph - the intention and design for the tag. It was never intended to render a hard return (force to the next line, or create a space between content). <br /> is the correct method of creating a hard return (or space between content). And learn to close the </p> tag. Unless you do the browser may mis-interpret what you intended.
Web design standards were created for a reason. Browsers are programmed to read compliant code - not interpret your design ideas. Using one browser to develop your pages is a bad idea. Perhaps the browser you are using is more popular, but don't you want to assure that every visitor can review your pages? Be sure that your pages comply by using this W3C Marup Validation Service page. The results will tell you if anything is wrong and how you can fix any errors.
Let Us Validate:
If you are overwhelmed with the validation corrections, or simply don't want to deal with the tedious work, contact us today, 360-733-3667, and allow us to validate your work. If you'd like to get an idea of the cost, request a quote for your project.