It's been a while since I did a ramble, and as i've been on a bit of a Semantic HTML binge lately, I have some things to say!
Semantic HTML, it matters and it's important for creating a functional website.
Semantic HTML, it matters and it's important for creating a functional website.
I understand that the web is changing and growing and we have heaps of cool new tech, especially in the JS space. But HTML is still here, and it still plays an important role.
I understand that in comparison HTML is pretty simple, we can get started and accomplish things really quickly, and it’s very forgiving if we make mistakes. There is power and opportunity in that.
But don’t make the mistake of assuming that because HTML is simple - it must not be valuable.
If we want to be great developers _need_ to consider the variety of people, tools and tech that consume our websites.
It’s not just about the tech we have now, like current assistive tech, search engines, bots, or even reading apps or modes like in Safari - what about whatever comes in the future?
What about technology like Google Home and Alexa? How do they interpret our websites and will they be able to communicate our content the way we intended if we aren’t using a structured markup language?
HTML isn’t just “making things pretty” it’s pivotal in making sure our websites are practical, useful and working properly.
We have to consider a wide range of experiences when developing our websites. The technologies that are consuming your site aren’t always going to be the browser and they are not always going to have access to YOUR CSS and JavaScript.
Make sure you are using HTML properly so that the context, meaning and purpose of your content is not lost in these new environments.
If you use HTML to it’s full potential you’re not just making the most out of built in features you’re making it more functional for people, bots, and for any tech, not just now but in the future as well.
