Web Development
FAQ - Ask a Web Development Expert

What's The Difference Between HTML and XHTML?

Description:Are HTML and XHTML as similar as they sound - or do they have many differences that you should be aware of?

Regardless of where you are on the scale of novice to expert when it comes to computer languages, it's important to understand the distinction between HTML and XHTML. This is because even if you don't use it now, you may well do in the future.

While HTML works perfectly well when you are creating web pages, it isn't the most precise language around. While this might seem to be good news for novices who might not be getting their HTML tags in the right order, it could actually be harming their website in the long run.

The advancement of technology is leading to more and more problems with HTML coding if it's not used properly. More and more people are able to access the internet via their cell phones nowadays, using up to the minute technology that requires the design of a website to be extremely precise. If it isn't, it can result in a page not being shown at all - simply because the HTML isn't being used how it should be.

XHTML is a more forward thinking language. It has been created specifically to be compatible with both new and upcoming technology, and is far more versatile than standard HTML is.

While you may not see the point in learning about XHTML now when you can still use HTML, it's a good idea to get up to speed with this new version of HTML now, since it will eventually supersede HTML altogether.

HTML is very rigid in a sense, as it was created at a time when viewing websites on cell phones wasn't even thought of. XHTML has been designed to meet all the growing needs of the internet, taking all the best aspects of HTML and adding new and improved aspects to create a language that will benefit every webmaster in the long run.