How do you keep your HTML and CSS code up to digital publishing standards?

1 Validate your code

One of the easiest ways to check if your HTML and CSS code meets the standards is to use a validator tool. A validator tool can scan your code and identify any syntax errors, missing tags, deprecated elements, or compatibility issues. You can use online validators like the W3C Markup Validation Service or the W3C CSS Validation Service, or install a validator plugin for your code editor. Validating your code regularly can help you fix any mistakes and improve your code quality.

2 Use semantic markup

Semantic markup means using HTML elements that describe the meaning and structure of your content, not just the appearance. For example, use <h1> to <h6> tags for headings, <p> for paragraphs, <ul> and <ol> for lists, <table> for tables, and so on. Semantic markup can help you organize your content better, make it easier for screen readers and search engines to understand, and allow you to style it with CSS more efficiently.

3 Follow naming conventions

Naming conventions are rules or guidelines for choosing names for your HTML and CSS elements, classes, and IDs. Adhering to these conventions can help you create more consistent, readable, and maintainable code. Generally, lowercase letters should be used for HTML and CSS names, with hyphens (-) used to separate words. Additionally, meaningful and descriptive names should be chosen that reflect the purpose or function of the element, class, or ID. Avoid using numbers, abbreviations, or generic names such as div1, style2, or class3. Lastly, use prefixes or suffixes to indicate the type or role of the element, class, or ID; for example btn for button, nav for navigation, or footer for footer.

4 Optimize your code

Optimizing your code is a great way to improve page load speed, performance, and user experience. You can minify HTML and CSS code by removing unnecessary whitespace, comments, or formatting. Additionally, use external stylesheets instead of inline or embedded styles, and combine multiple stylesheets into one file to reduce the number of HTTP requests. You should also use shorthand properties and values to reduce the length of your CSS code, as well as relative units like em, rem, or % instead of absolute units like px or pt to make your layout more responsive and adaptable. Furthermore, media queries can be used to apply different styles for different screen sizes and devices.

5 Test your code

The final step to keep your HTML and CSS code up to digital publishing standards is to test your code on different browsers, devices, and platforms. Testing your code can help you ensure that your content looks and works as intended, and that it is compatible and accessible for all users. You can use browser tools like Developer Tools or BrowserStack to inspect and debug your code, or use online tools like Responsinator or LambdaTest to simulate how your content appears on various devices and screen resolutions. Testing your code regularly can help you identify and fix any issues or bugs that may affect your digital publishing quality.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?