When it comes to creating web pages, two terms that often come up are XHTML and HTML. While they may seem similar, there are actually significant differences between the two. In this article, we will take a closer look at what sets XHTML and HTML apart from each other.
First, let's start with the basics. HTML stands for HyperText Markup Language and is the standard markup language used for creating web pages. It was first introduced in 1993 and has since gone through several versions, with the current one being HTML5. HTML allows developers to structure the content of a webpage by using tags that define the different elements such as headings, paragraphs, images, and links.
On the other hand, XHTML stands for Extensible HyperText Markup Language. It is a stricter and more structured version of HTML, based on XML (Extensible Markup Language). This means that with XHTML, web pages must adhere to stricter rules and syntax, making it more consistent and well-formed compared to HTML.
One of the main differences between XHTML and HTML is their syntax. HTML is more lenient and allows for sloppy coding, while XHTML follows a stricter set of rules. This means that a well-formed XHTML document must have a proper structure, with all tags closed and nested correctly. In contrast, HTML allows for unclosed tags and other coding errors.
Another difference is in the use of tags. HTML has a defined set of tags that are used to structure a web page, while XHTML has a larger set of tags that have specific purposes. For example, XHTML has a tag for embedding audio and video, while HTML does not. This makes XHTML more versatile and suitable for creating more complex web pages.
One of the advantages of using XHTML over HTML is its compatibility with XML. This means that XHTML documents can be processed by XML tools, making it easier to integrate with other applications. This is particularly useful for developers who want to incorporate web pages into other systems or create web services.
Moreover, XHTML is seen as a more forward-looking language compared to HTML, which has been around for decades. XHTML is based on the strict rules of XML, making it easier to be converted into other markup languages in the future. It also promotes the separation of content and presentation, which is a fundamental principle in web design and development.
In terms of browser support, both XHTML and HTML are widely supported by modern web browsers. However, HTML is still the more dominant language, and some older browsers may not fully support XHTML, especially if the document is not well-formed.
In conclusion, while XHTML and HTML may seem similar, they have distinct differences that set them apart. HTML is more lenient and has been the standard for creating web pages for a long time. On the other hand, XHTML is stricter, more structured, and forward-looking, making it more suitable for creating complex web pages. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on the developer's needs and preferences.
