XTML vs. HTML

AidenCora

New Member
Hi, I was wondering why HTML hasn't become outdated due to XHTML? I have read that XHTMl is a more user friendly version and it is cleaner and easier to use.
 

AidenCora

New Member
In my opinion XHTML seems a lot easier to use and is the current thing for web designers to use. I would love to have more people's opinions on this topic. Thanks.
 

chrishirst

Well-Known Member
Staff member
XHTML is NOT a different 'version' or 'standard' of HTML. It is NOT "easier to use" nor is it a 'replacement' for HTML.

It is a separate W3c standard intended for a SPECIFIC purpose. eXtensible Hypertextual Markup Language (XHTML) is the Document Type Declaration (DTD) to apply when the document uses eXtensible Markup Language (XML) with eXtensible Stylesheet Language (XSL) and eXtensible Stylesheet Language Transformations (XSLT) for all or part of it's creation process.

The idea that it was "better" was brought about by developer 'snobbery' who thought having a "W3c verified XHTML 1.0" icon somehow meant they were 'better' developers than anyone having a mere "W3c verified HTML 4.01" icon. What they did NOT realise that all they WERE doing in their arrogance, was displaying their lack of understanding of WHAT a document type declaration (DTD) is and why there are several 'standards' of 'coding'.
 

ronaldroe

Super Moderator
Staff member
I prefer the XHTML syntax's stricter standards, which is why I was pleased to discover HTML5 supported it. XHTML is pretty much toast now anyway.
 

chrishirst

Well-Known Member
Staff member
I prefer the XHTML syntax's stricter standards, which is why I was pleased to discover HTML5 supported it.
Now that's what I mean, people use a DTD because they think it is a "standard" to code by, and it is not. The declaration is an instruction manual for BROWSERS and other visual user agents on how to render the markup.


You can apply those "strict standards" to ANY DTD you want to.
 

ronaldroe

Super Moderator
Staff member
I'm not so much talking DTD, and I don't think OP was either. I know the difference. I'm talking about the actual syntax outlined in the spec.
 

chrishirst

Well-Known Member
Staff member
I'm talking about the actual syntax outlined in the spec.
What syntax 'rules'?

You SHOULD use "well formed", valid, correctly closed and nested tags in ALL HTML coding.
You can use all lower case tag and attribute names in ANY HTML coding, and when all is said and done, the only thing that really separates HTML from XHTML is the DTD.

The only reason that XHTML required the above, was for XSL/XSLT

Same with HTML 5, if you want to use HTML 4.01 or HTML 3.2 for your code NO ONE can tell you that it is 'wrong' and you MUST use HTML5.

The HTML specifications are NEVER 'superceded', never made invalid or redundant they simply remain in force and usable long after the latest and greatest becomes "recommended".

If you do not need the additional features of HTML5 and use HTML 4.01 for evermore that's fine, the "markup police" are not going to round you up and incarcerate in some rodent infested dungeon because you did not use HTML5
 

ronaldroe

Super Moderator
Staff member
What syntax 'rules'?

http://www.w3.org/html/wg/drafts/html/master/

You SHOULD use "well formed", valid, correctly closed and nested tags in ALL HTML coding.
You can use all lower case tag and attribute names in ANY HTML coding, and when all is said and done, the only thing that really separates HTML from XHTML is the DTD.

You are correct here. You should. That doesn't mean people will, which is why we have a spec to tell us the requirements of the language. You aren't wrong here, I just think you're arguing an entirely different point than what this conversation is even about.

OP asked basically why people are still using an old set of syntax rules when a newer one exists (even if his newer set was still old). If your point is that one should use whatever their particular situation calls for, that's a fair point. It's one I don't choose to go by (for HTML and HTML only), but a fair point nonetheless. For me, the readability and strictness of XHTML was a huge reason to use it. It supported everything in the 4.01 spec, but added a stricter set of rules to write by. The fact that the HTML5 spec defines the same rules without explicitly requiring them was a good move to re-merge the specs. I personally see no reason to use any spec other than 5. That's my way, though.
 

chrishirst

Well-Known Member
Staff member
OP asked basically why people are still using an old set of syntax rules when a newer one exists
No, the OP asked about two different and distinct variations of SGML subsets. The idea that XHTML is a "new set of syntax rules" is in error, so I am trying to correct a misunderstanding or faulty premise that you both have.

XHTML and HTML are NOT two interchangeable markup languages

XHTML 1.0 is NOT a replacement for HTML 4.01. HTML5 is NOT a replacement for HTML 4.01 OR XHTML 1.x.

Certainly HTML5 is 'newer' BUT if you want to talk of coding semantics HTML5 is actually LESS strict in code requirements than HTML 4.01 strict is, so if you want to be tied to a strict form of coding do NOT use HTML5!
 

chrishirst

Well-Known Member
Staff member
Okay you will have to explain "whither irony".

I'm from Yorkshire and whither translates to "Wher's thee off ta?" :)
 
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