HyperText Markup Language, or HTML, is the base of all web design projects. It can impact a web page's look, feel, and accessibility and define its structure and content.
However, writing HTML correctly is only sometimes straightforward, and even minor errors can have serious repercussions. This post will teach you how to avoid HTML errors and how to correct them when you do.
Typical Html Errors And How To Fix Them
Missing Or Mismatched Tags
Forgetting to close a tag or using the incorrect tag to close an element is one of the most common and fundamental HTML mistakes.
Unexpected outcomes like messed-up layouts, warped photos, or missing content can arise from this. Always use a proper text editor that reveals the tag hierarchy and highlights the syntax to avoid making this mistake.
Also, check your code for errors and warnings using a validator tool like the W3C Markup Validation Service.
Invalid Or Deprecated Attributes
Using deprecated or invalid attributes is another common HTML mistake. You can add extra data to a tag, such as id, class, style, or href, by adding attributes.
However, only some attributes work with every tag, and some must be updated concerning current standards and browsers. For instance, you should use CSS properties rather than the align attribute when positioning elements. Always consult the official HTML documentation, like the MDN Web Docs, to find each tag's current and valid attributes to avoid making this mistake.
Improper Nesting Of Elements
Nesting elements in a way that defies the conventions of the language is a third standard error in HTML. Nesting is the practice of arranging elements inside one another, like a paragraph inside a div.
But not every element can be nested inside another, and some elements have special needs for their parents or offspring. For instance, a block-level element like a div shouldn't be nested inside an inline element like a span. Always adhere to each element's content model, which specifies the kinds of elements it can contain or be contained by, to avoid making this mistake.
Missing Or Incorrect Doctor Declaration
Using the incorrect doctype declaration or leaving it out is a fourth standard HTML error. The first line of your HTML document, known as the doctype declaration, tells the browser what version of HyperText Markup Language you are using.
With it, the browser might display your page correctly or render it in an old-fashioned quirks mode. Use the most straightforward and compatible doctype, HTML5, and always include the doctype declaration at the top of your document to avoid making this error.
Also Read: Maximizing Gain: Elevate Efficiency by 70% with Clean & Semantic HTML Code
Poor Semantic Markup
Using poorly semantic markup is the fifth most frequent error in HTML. Using tags that communicate the content's meaning and purpose-rather than just its look-is known as semantic markup.
For example, instead of using divs and spans to structure your content, you should use headings, lists, tables, and forms. Your web page will be easier to read, more accessible, easier to search for, and easier to style and maintain with semantic markup.
Select the most relevant and detailed tag for your content to avoid making this mistake. Tags should not be used just for presentation.
Inconsistent Or Invalid Indentation
The sixth most frequent HTML error is writing code that needs to be more consistent with indentation. Using tabs or spaces to align and arrange your code to make it easier to read and comprehend is known as indentation.
On the other hand, some developers employ distinct indentation styles, like combining tabs and spaces or varying the quantity of tabs or spaces used. This can lead to misunderstandings, mistakes, or disputes, particularly when utilising version control systems or collaborating with other developers.
Always use a valid and consistent indentation style, adhering to the project's and language's best practices and conventions to avoid making this error.
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What Characteristics Does HTML Have?
Below are rhe following features of HTML:
Simple And User-Friendly
- Annotations that are used to write HTML are called tags.
Tags organise HTML and facilitate more effective content reading for users and browsers.
They also enable the addition of CSS (Cascading StyleSheets) by a browser, which creates a unique visual fusion for the digital document.
- Although there are hundreds of tags in HTML, only a select few are required for a developer to use regularly.
All tags are essential, of course, but in a typical development, most are used sparingly.
Seo - Search Engine Optimisation
- The most crucial HTML5 USP (unique selling point) is SEO.
Thanks to search engines like Google, Yahoo, DuckDuckGo, and others, a plethora of information is now readily available.
- Using computer programs called web crawlers, these search engines gather data from the World Wide Web by mapping keywords to the relevant documents they come across.
These web crawlers can process this data because HTML is very structured and allows you to make your pages more search engine friendly.
- By using tags like <title>, <meta> with description, <header>, etc., to tell the web crawler about the relevant keywords in the article, you can also use the semantic structure of HTML for search engines.
Local Storage & Indexeddb - Client-Side Data Storage
- HTML5 brings about significant advances in client-side storage capabilities.
Developers can save data on the client side thanks to crucial technologies like localStorage and sessionStorage.
Because cookies restrict the amount of data stored on the client side, these are essential advancements in browser storage capabilities.
- Small data bits, like client usernames or authentication tokens, can be stored in cookies.
Still, the localStorage API is used when users revisit the web application.
You can conserve server and client resources by avoiding loading some primary data on the client.
The sessionStorage API allows a developer to store data exclusively for that particular session.
This implies that the data is deleted as soon as the user closes the tab.
This feature can benefit from browser-based games and high-security apps with short session durations.
- IndexedDB expands the client-side storage capabilities of local storage.
While localStorage may be able to hold a substantial amount of data in a key-value form where both are strings, IndexedDB can store more complex and essential data in this format.
Offline Capabilities (PWA) With Cache API & Service Workers
- Try developing a web application that can function even if the user's internet connection is unavailable.
With the arrival of Service Workers, IndexedDB, and Cache API, you might make it happen, so you don't just have to imagine it.
Your web application might offer a native-like experience to your users.
Many apps, like Flipkart, already do this, and it's referred to as a PWA (Progressive Web Application).
- Service workers act as a conduit between the user's computer and the internet.
They can store files locally, retrieve them via the Cache API when required, and pull data from the IndexedDB to provide the application with data as needed.
The Service Worker intercepts these requests and uses locally stored data to serve them when the user's device is not online.
Your service worker can be configured to update these files either automatically or on demand.
Canvas For Game Development
- One of HTML's most essential features is that you can make simple games with HTML5.
Still, to make a decent video game, you'll need to use the <canvas> element in conjunction with CSS and JavaScript.
You can make both 2D and 3D games with Canvas.
These games can be customized to be as interactive as you like.
Conclusion
HTML is a markup language that merely informs the browser of a digital document's structure so that it can be visually represented.
New characterstics of HTML have entirely changed the gadget industry, especially for smart devices like TVs and phones. HTML has more uses than just creating webpages, blogging, and internet access. Big businesses and highly interactive websites can be made with HTML.
Paul is a highly skilled Full Stack Developer with a solid educational background that includes a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science and a Master's degree in Software Engineering, as well as a decade of hands-on experience. Certifications such as AWS Certified Solutions Architect, and Agile Scrum Master bolster his knowledge. Paul's excellent contributions to the software development industry have garnered him a slew of prizes and accolades, cementing his status as a top-tier professional. Aside from coding, he finds relief in her interests, which include hiking through beautiful landscapes, finding creative outlets through painting, and giving back to the community by participating in local tech education programmer.
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