8 Common HTML Mistakes You Should Avoid for Better Web Development
The foundation of every website is HTML—it is the primary language for structuring and presenting content on web pages.
However, even seasoned HTML coders can make simple errors that result in poorly optimized websites. And errors like this can create issues with performance, usability, and accessibility.
To help avoid them, try studying the following common HTML errors and discover tips on how to prevent them.
1. Using Deprecated HTML Elements
HTML has changed over time, so some elements and attributes are now redundant. Modern browsers do not support deprecated elements and attributes, and their use can negatively affect your website’s speed.
Thetag for centering text, thetag for formatting text, and thetag for strikethrough text are some of the most frequently used deprecated HTML elements. You should use the modern equivalents for these components.
For instance, you canuse CSS to center content, rather than thetag. Additionally, you’re able to set font styles using CSS rather than thetag.
2. Not Including Alt Text for Images
While images are an important component of online design, viewers with visual impairments cannot see them. As such, you should adddescriptive alt textto photos to make them more accessible.
Alt text allows text-to-speech engines to read out the image description to users. It’s not just for screen-readers, though; alt text can benefit search engine optimization. Most browsers will also display alt text if an image fails to load.
3. Improper Nesting of HTML Elements
To guarantee acceptable code and proper website operation, HTML elements should nest properly. Inadequate nesting may have unanticipated effects, including broken layouts, missing content, and broken links.
For instance, you should close each div tag before opening a new one. Similarly, you should never thetag outside an ordered or unordered list.
4. Overusing div Tags
The “div” tag is a flexible HTML element used for grouping and styling content. However, excessive use of this tag may result in a poorly organized website and make code maintenance difficult.
You should employ semantic HTML elements that give the content meaning rather than div tags for everything. You can use thetag for a header rather than a div tag. Likewise, you should use thetag for a navigation bar in place of thetag.
5. Not Using Semantic HTML
Without the use of semantic elements like, , , ,and, the webpage may appear cluttered and disorganized, making it more difficult for users to navigate and find the information they require.
Your website may also rank lower onsearch engine result pages (SERPs)if search engines have trouble indexing the content.
6. Using Inline Styles Instead of CSS
You can apply inline CSS styles directly to an HTML element using the style attribute. While these styles are helpful for making quick changes, using them excessively might make the code harder to maintain and hurt the efficiency of the website.
Consequently, you should use external CSS files that apply styles to the website globally rather than inline styles. They enhance website performance by reducing the code sent to the browser and they simplify website maintenance too.
7. Not Using Responsive Designs
Responsive design is a web design strategy that enables websites to adjust to various screen sizes and devices. This approach is essential forenhancing website accessibilityand user experience, given the growing use of mobile devices.
You should use CSS media queries to apply various styles based on the size of the device’s screen. This improves user experience since it makes the website accessible on various devices.
8. Failing to Validate HTML
Web development must begin with HTML validation to ensure the code is error-free and compliant with web standards. Invalid HTML can result in broken layouts, missing content, broken links, and many other issues.
You should use HTML validators to find and correct mistakes in your code. In addition to correctness, validation also improves performance, accessibility, and search engine optimization.
Using Modern HTML and CSS
With new features on the horizon, HTML5 and CSS3 are giving developers more resources than ever to build engaging websites. Also, the development of web accessibility standards will improve the user experience for those with disabilities.
As such, it’s important to keep up with the most recent HTML standards and best practices if you want to build better, more inventive websites that satisfy current and future user needs. This allows you to recognize and avoid common pitfalls that would negatively affect your work.
Coding mistakes can lead to so many problems. These tips will help you avoid programming mistakes and keep your code meaningful.
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