XHTML stands for Extensible Hypertext Markup Language. It is a markup language that combines the syntax and rules of XML (eXtensible Markup Language) with the structure and elements of HTML (Hypertext Markup Language). XHTML was introduced as an evolution of HTML to promote stricter adherence to XML standards and improve compatibility with other XML-based technologies.
Key features and characteristics of XHTML include:
- XML-Based Syntax: XHTML follows the rules and syntax of XML, which requires well-formed markup with proper element nesting, case sensitivity, and closing tags. This adherence to XML standards helps ensure consistency and compatibility with XML-based tools and technologies.
- Structure and Elements: XHTML inherits the basic structure and elements of HTML, including tags for headings, paragraphs, lists, links, images, tables, forms, and more. It provides the same set of elements and attributes as HTML, allowing for the creation of web pages and documents.
- Strict Markup: XHTML emphasizes strict adherence to rules and standards. It enforces proper syntax, correct nesting of elements, closing tags, and attribute quotes. This stricter markup helps ensure cross-browser compatibility and better support for accessibility and device independence.
- Separation of Content and Presentation: Like HTML, XHTML promotes the separation of content and presentation through the use of CSS (Cascading Style Sheets). CSS is used to define the visual styles, layout, and formatting of XHTML documents, while the XHTML itself focuses on the structure and semantics of the content.
- Browser Compatibility: XHTML is designed to be compatible with major web browsers, similar to HTML. However, the stricter syntax and XML parsing of XHTML can reveal markup errors that might have been ignored or rendered differently in HTML.
- XHTML Versions: Different versions of XHTML have been released, including XHTML 1.0, XHTML 1.1, and XHTML5. Each version has specific rules, doctype declarations, and compatibility considerations. XHTML 1.0 Strict, for example, promotes a stricter and cleaner markup with limited presentational attributes.
XHTML has gained popularity for its compatibility with XML tools, its stricter syntax, and its ability to work well with other XML-based technologies like XSLT, XForms, and SVG. However, with the rise of HTML5, which provides more flexibility and improved browser support, the use of XHTML has become less prevalent in recent years.
It’s worth noting that while XHTML provided a transition from HTML to XML standards, HTML5 has largely taken over as the standard markup language for web content due to its wider adoption and improved features.
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