HTML vs XHTML

Subject: html

๐Ÿ” HTML vs XHTML

Both HTML (HyperText Markup Language) and XHTML (Extensible HyperText Markup Language) are used to build web pages. However, they differ significantly in terms of syntax, rules, and browser handling.


๐Ÿงฑ What Is HTML?

  • Standard markup language for web development
  • Developed by W3C
  • Not case-sensitive
  • Forgiving: Allows missing tags and formatting errors
  • Commonly used in modern websites (especially HTML5)

โœ… Example:


๐Ÿงพ What Is XHTML?

  • Stricter version of HTML based on XML rules
  • Requires well-formed code
  • Tags must be lowercase, closed properly, and properly nested
  • Attribute values must be quoted
  • Originally aimed at making web documents more consistent

โœ… Example:


๐Ÿ”‘ Key Differences Between HTML and XHTML

FeatureHTMLXHTML
Tag CaseNot case-sensitiveMust use lowercase
Tag ClosureOptional for some tagsAll tags must be closed
Empty Elements<br><br />
Attribute QuotationOptionalMandatory
Error ToleranceBrowsers handle errors gracefullyMust be well-formed (strict)

๐Ÿงช Example Comparison

โœ… HTML Example

โœ… XHTML Example


๐Ÿค” Which One Should You Use?

  • โœ… Use HTML5 for modern web development (flexible, cleaner, more widely supported)
  • โ— Use XHTML only if you're integrating with XML systems or require strict validation

๐Ÿ“Œ Key Takeaway

  • HTML is more flexible and browser-friendly.
  • XHTML enforces strict syntax and follows XML rules.
  • Today, HTML5 is the preferred standard for most projects due to its simplicity and browser support.