The World Wide Web consortium (W3C) offers a Markup Validation Service which serves as a ‘validator’ of HTML and XHTML languages. This service is used by web developers and those who
simply wish to apply a “web standard” against their website code to see how it is set up. For this post, it is important to understand that while this validator is a good tool to use, it does not guarantee 100% conformance to the technical coding proficiency of a website. Technologies change frequently on the web, so the “one tool fits all approach” does not work as your primary determinant of ‘what is good and what is bad,’ but it can serve as an important ‘thermometer’ of your website’s technical code.
Just as every human language has rules such as spelling, punctuation, structure, etc…, Internet languages follow similar type rules.
Validators can quickly scan a website’s code, and then create a list of errors for quick and thorough analysis.
Website validation provides the following benefits:
1. Your website can become cross browser compatible.
2. It helps to maintain coding proficiency and points out critical errors (bugs).
3. It assists with keeping your website up to date and consistant with modern technology.
4. Within “Responsive Web Design,” you can make your website ‘device independent.’
I always recommend using a validator to analyze your website’s code. And while it is a great tool to have in your arsenal, you don’t want to solely depend on it as your primary weapon– always educate yourself to the latest web trends and techniques. By doing the aformentioned, your website stands a great chance of being technically proficient.
About the Author: Rhett DeMille, the owner of PalmettoSoft, is a leading search engine optimization consultant located in the Charlotte NC and Charleston SC areas.
