HTML vs. XHTML - Evaluation and Comparison

Developing a website generally requires a lot of effort, whether selecting a technology or a CMS. But before making any selection, the first thing to do is form your web solution's foundation. Building a website is identical to constructing a house, where a strong foundation is necessary for long-term sustainability. Now, it all depends on the building material you choose, and similarly, for a website, this material is the markup language.?

HTML and XHTML are two languages majorly used for web development. We all know HTML, as it is the standard language used by users in custom website development to formulate the structure of a web page with the help of tags. Moreover, it is easier to use and universally compatible with browsers. On the other hand, XHTML prioritizes stricter formatting and adherence to XML rules.

So, which among them would you choose to serve as the foundation of your web solution??

Overview of HTML

HyperText Markup Language, popularly known as HTML, is the oldest web development foundational language for structuring and displaying content on the web. HTML tags are enclosed with angle brackets. Moreover, this SGML-based language offers flexibility, which means it allows for some inconsistencies and missing closing tags. Current browsers are highly adept at interpreting and rendering the code even if some errors are left.?

What is XHTML?

Extensible HyperText Markup Language, or XHTML, is a stricter version of HTML that uses the XML principle. This was developed by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C), and the sole purpose behind its evolution is to enhance interoperability and quality. XHTML is not flexible compared to HTML, as every opening tag should close and attributes written in lowercase.

A Comparative Analysis Between HTML and XHTML

The HTML development environment is different from XHTML. Various aspects in which both languages differ.?

1. Syntax

XHTML follows a strict, well-formed, and consistent approach that ensures every element is nested in lowercase. However, HTML's syntax is not that strict.

2. Validation?

HTML provides flexibility in web development, but validating a code becomes challenging. For instance, if a responsive web developer opens various <div> elements under the body tag and misses closing one, it will render on the browser. But, when CSS or JS is integrated into it, the changes expected from their integration won’t appear until the opened element is closed. And here, problem-finding becomes difficult. On the other hand, XHTML’s strict syntax makes it easier to find and solve the problem. This states that this language’s code adheres to the defined standards.

3. Readability

Whether HTML or XHTML uses tags to define the elements, the cleaner and clearer tags of XHTML improve the readability of code and provide an edge to developers working on larger projects.

4. Browser Support

Both XHTML and HTML are quickly rendered by modern browsers. However, since the introduction of HTML5, XHTML usage has decreased, and due to that, browser support has also declined.?

5. Integration?

XHTML, being XML-based, allows for easier integration with other XML technologies. This can benefit complex web applications that require data exchange with other systems. Conversely, HTML works well on its own and does not require any further integration.

Which Should You Consider Using?

Using either HTML or XHTML for your project depends on several crucial factors. These are elaborate as follows:

1. Project Goals

You should clarify the goals of your project before making any decisions, such as whether to build a basic web solution or something like data publishing. This will allow you to make informed decisions.?

2. Tech Requirements

The next factor is whether you consider old browser support for your web solution, which XHTML can provide, or require advanced features that HTML5 can provide. By performing an in-depth evaluation of your requirements and the features needed, you can select the right technology for your project.?

3. Developer’s Expertise

You must evaluate the expertise of a team before handling your custom software development project with them. As HTML is flexible, XHTML requires professional expertise because of XML syntax. You can ask several important questions to developers before hiring them.

The Future of HTML and XHTML

While XHTML was initially seen as the successor to HTML, its adoption never reached the anticipated level. HTML continues to evolve today, with the latest version (HTML5) offering new features and functionalities. Although XHTML is still technically valid, most new website development focuses on HTML5.

Conclusion

You should understand HTML and XHTML and how different they are from each other while deciding on your website. HTML is likely the most widely used choice for serving as the foundation of your website. However, you can choose XHTML if your project requires stricter coding practices or integration with complex XML systems. You can hire web developers based on the type of language you select for your project. They will help you develop a web solution and consult you on which language is suitable for your project if you cannot make the choice.??