XHTML represents Extensible HyperText Markup Language, and its in fact an evolution based upon normal HTML, it’s purpose was also intended as a path in the direction of inevitable XML migration hence the X component.
For this reason XHTML will be displayed as a hybrid of HTML and XML.
Part of the XML family of mark-up languages XHTML docs are well formed because of the mark-up rules and tag rules and so can also be parsed by XML parsers, which is in contrast to HTML which was at all times part of the Standard Generalized Markup Language (SGML).
Before examining the benefits associated with XHTML, its worth quickly explaining the intention of SGML, HTML and XML.
SGML is a language for describing markup languages, specially those employed in electronic document exchange, document management, and document publishing. HTML is an illustration of a language defined in SGML.
HTML is an SGML (Standard Generalized Markup Language) application conforming to International Standard ISO 8879. HTML is generally regarded as the common publishing vocabulary of the World Wide Web, HTML tags hold semantic meaning and are predefined.
XML is the shorthand name for EXtensible Markup Language. XML is a markup language just like HTML and was meant to identify information. XML tags usually are not predefined. You will need to define your own tags based on your needs.
In terms of syntax, it’s very much like HTML and pretty much all valid HTML elements are also valid in XHTML, however there are numerous particular points to note to ensure your HTML document is absolutely XHTML certified, these points also apply when generating new XHTML documents.
• You must compose a DOCTYPE declaration at the beginning of the XHTML document.
• You should generate all XHTML tags and attributes in lower case only.
• You have to quote every one of the attribute values.
• Attribute minimization is not allowed.
• The id attribute swaps with the name attribute.
• The language attribute of the script tag is deprecated.
So right now let’s explore the characteristics of XHTML before we look at the actual positive aspects.
Firstly, XHTML is an recognized and official W3C standard which means that all internet browsers will be compliant, and has built-in support for XHTML, this can be of serious appeal to web developers.
A valid XHTML document, mainly because it utilises XML syntax and markup, needs to have 1 of 3 DTD’s, this ensures that all the XML data comprised within the XHTML is valid and also conforms to the proper logic and type as outlined in the DTD such as adequately closed and nested xml tags.
Finally, XHTML files may also be backward suitable for non XHTML compliant internet explorer due to stricter syntax rules.
This affords the benefits that follow;
Internet pages are more inclined to render perfectly around a number of browsers such as new and old web browsers.
It's also easier to preserve, edit, convert and format your file as the need comes up, in the future.
As a result of consistent and perfectly structured format of XHTML, your online pages may be parsed and processed effortlessly.
XHTML specifies quality standard to your internet sites and if you go along with that, then your web pages are counted as quality web pages. The W3C confirms those pages using their quality seal of approval.
