How do you get the most out of HTML5 validation tools?

1 Choose the right tool

There are different types of HTML5 validation tools, such as online validators, browser extensions, code editors, and testing frameworks. Depending on your needs and preferences, you may want to use one or more of them. For example, online validators like the W3C Markup Validation Service are easy to use and can check any URL or file. Browser extensions like HTML Validator for Firefox can show you validation errors and warnings in your browser. Code editors like Visual Studio Code can provide real-time validation and auto-completion. Testing frameworks like HTML5test can measure how well your browser supports HTML5 features.

2 Follow the validation guidelines

HTML5 validation tools can help you identify and fix common HTML errors, such as missing or mismatched tags, invalid attributes, duplicate ids, and syntax errors. However, validation is not enough to ensure that your HTML code is correct and compliant. You also need to follow the HTML5 validation guidelines, which are a set of rules and recommendations for writing valid and semantic HTML code. Some of these guidelines include using the right doctype declaration, specifying the character encoding, using lower case for element and attribute names, using quotes for attribute values, and closing empty elements.

3 Use HTML5 features wisely

HTML5 validation tools can also help you take advantage of the new and improved features of HTML5, such as semantic elements, multimedia elements, forms, graphics, and APIs. These features can make your web pages more meaningful, interactive, and responsive. However, you should use them wisely and appropriately, considering factors such as browser compatibility, fallback options, accessibility, and performance. For example, you should use semantic elements like <header>, <nav>, <article>, and <footer> to structure your content, but also provide alternative text for screen readers. You should use multimedia elements like <video> and <audio> to embed media, but also provide captions, transcripts, and controls. You should use forms to collect user input, but also validate and sanitize the data.

4 Learn from the feedback

HTML5 validation tools can provide you with valuable feedback on your HTML code, such as errors, warnings, suggestions, and scores. You should not ignore or dismiss this feedback, but rather use it as an opportunity to learn and improve your HTML skills. You should understand the reasons behind the feedback, the implications of the feedback, and the ways to address the feedback. For example, if you get an error message that says "Element <div> not allowed as child of element <p> in this context", you should know that <p> elements can only contain phrasing content, that this error can affect the rendering and accessibility of your web page, and that you can fix it by replacing the <div> element with a <span> element or by closing the <p> element before the <div> element.

5 Keep up with the updates

HTML5 validation tools can help you keep up with the updates and changes in the HTML5 specification and implementation. HTML5 is not a fixed or final standard, but rather a living and evolving one. It is constantly being revised, extended, and supported by different browsers and devices. Therefore, you should always check the latest version of the HTML5 specification, the current status of the HTML5 features, and the compatibility of the HTML5 features with different browsers and devices. You should also update your HTML5 validation tools regularly, as they may introduce new features, fix bugs, or improve performance.

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?