XHTML vs. HTML: What's the Difference?
Edited by Huma Saeed || By Sumera Saeed || Updated on October 20, 2023
XHTML is a stricter and XML-based version of HTML; HTML is a standard markup language for creating web pages.
Key Differences
XHTML, standing for Extensible Hypertext Markup Language, is a reformulation of HTML as an XML application, thus making it more strict. HTML, or Hypertext Markup Language, is the standard markup language that has been used to create web pages since the beginning of the World Wide Web.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 20, 2023
Both XHTML and HTML allow for the structuring of web content. However, XHTML mandates web developers to adhere to stricter syntax rules, making it more predictable in behavior. HTML, being more forgiving, allows for slight deviations or errors in code, which might lead to unexpected behavior in some browsers.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 20, 2023
XHTML's adherence to XML standards means that it supports namespaces, facilitating the integration of other XML-based languages. In contrast, HTML does not naturally support this feature and was primarily designed to describe the structure and presentation of web content.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 20, 2023
Another stark difference lies in error handling. In XHTML, even a minor error can prevent a page from being displayed, enforcing cleaner coding practices. With HTML, browsers often display the page by making assumptions about what the developer intended, leading to potential inconsistencies across browsers.
Janet White
Oct 20, 2023
While both XHTML and HTML aim to structure and present content on the web, their use cases have evolved over time. XHTML was favored for a while for its XML advantages, especially in XML-dominated environments. However, HTML, especially with the introduction of HTML5, has reclaimed its position as the dominant markup language for the broader web due to its flexibility and evolution.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 20, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Error Handling
Rigid (minor error can prevent page display)
Flexible (browsers compensate for minor errors)
Sumera Saeed
Oct 20, 2023
Evolution & Usage
Initially favored for XML advantages
Dominant, especially with the advent of HTML5
Sumera Saeed
Oct 20, 2023
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XHTML and HTML Definitions
XHTML
XHTML mandates precise syntax adherence.
Due to its strictness, XHTML demands proper closing of all tags.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 20, 2023
Html
HTML structures and presents web content.
Using HTML, he styled the content to make it visually appealing.
Sara Rehman
Oct 20, 2023
XHTML
XHTML is an application of XML for web content.
Combining XML's strictness with web structuring, XHTML was introduced.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 20, 2023
Html
HTML is a markup language for creating web pages.
She learned HTML to start building her own website.
Huma Saeed
Oct 20, 2023
XHTML
XHTML is a stricter version of HTML based on XML.
To ensure compatibility, she switched to XHTML for her project.
Huma Saeed
Oct 20, 2023
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Html
HTML has evolved over time, especially with the introduction of HTML5.
The introduction of HTML5 brought new features and capabilities to web design.
Sara Rehman
Oct 20, 2023
XHTML
XHTML supports XML namespaces.
The use of namespaces in XHTML allowed for more structured data representation.
Sara Rehman
Oct 20, 2023
Html
HTML allows for more flexibility in coding compared to XHTML.
Even with some coding errors, the HTML page displayed correctly.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 20, 2023
XHTML
XHTML requires cleaner coding practices due to rigid error handling.
He had to thoroughly debug the XHTML code before deploying the website.
Janet White
Oct 20, 2023
Html
HTML does not naturally support XML namespaces.
For simpler web projects, he preferred HTML without the complexities of namespaces.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 20, 2023
Html
A markup language used to structure text and multimedia documents and to set up hypertext links between documents, used extensively on the World Wide Web.
Sumera Saeed
Sep 15, 2015
Html
A set of tags and rules (conforming to SGML) for using them in developing hypertext documents
Sumera Saeed
Sep 15, 2015
FAQs
How do browsers handle errors in HTML?
Browsers often compensate for minor errors in HTML, displaying the page with assumptions.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 20, 2023
Do I need to close all tags in XHTML?
Yes, XHTML requires proper closing of all tags due to its strict syntax.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 20, 2023
How does HTML differ from XHTML in its base?
While HTML originally derived from SGML, XHTML is based on XML.
Huma Saeed
Oct 20, 2023
Why was XHTML introduced?
XHTML was introduced to bring the strictness of XML to web content structuring.
Janet White
Oct 20, 2023
What does XHTML stand for?
XHTML stands for Extensible Hypertext Markup Language.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 20, 2023
Is XHTML more strict than HTML?
Yes, XHTML has stricter syntax rules compared to HTML.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 20, 2023
Has HTML evolved over the years?
Yes, especially with the advent of HTML5, which added new features and capabilities.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 20, 2023
Is XHTML still widely used?
While XHTML had its era of popularity, HTML, especially HTML5, is more widely used today.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 20, 2023
Are all XHTML documents valid XML?
Yes, XHTML documents adhere to XML rules and are therefore valid XML.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 20, 2023
Can I use CSS with XHTML and HTML?
Yes, both XHTML and HTML support styling with CSS.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 20, 2023
Can you integrate other XML-based languages with XHTML?
Yes, XHTML supports XML namespaces, facilitating such integrations.
Sara Rehman
Oct 20, 2023
Which is more forgiving in terms of coding errors, XHTML or HTML?
HTML is more forgiving and allows for slight deviations or errors.
Harlon Moss
Oct 20, 2023
Can I use JavaScript with both XHTML and HTML?
Yes, both XHTML and HTML support JavaScript integration.
Janet White
Oct 20, 2023
Why might one choose XHTML over HTML?
Some might choose XHTML for its XML advantages, especially in XML-dominated environments.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 20, 2023
Is it easier to learn HTML or XHTML for beginners?
Most beginners find HTML easier due to its more forgiving nature.
Sara Rehman
Oct 20, 2023
How do I convert an HTML document to XHTML?
To convert, one must ensure adherence to strict XHTML syntax rules, like closing all tags.
Harlon Moss
Oct 20, 2023
What's the primary benefit of XHTML's strictness?
XHTML's strictness ensures more predictable behavior and compatibility across platforms.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 20, 2023
Which is better for SEO, XHTML or HTML?
Both can be optimized for SEO, but modern practices often lean towards HTML, especially HTML5.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 20, 2023
Is HTML5 the latest version of HTML?
As of my last update in January 2022, HTML5 is the latest major version.
Sara Rehman
Oct 20, 2023
Does XHTML support multimedia elements?
Yes, XHTML supports multimedia elements, but HTML5 offers a broader range of such features.
Janet White
Oct 20, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
Edited by
Huma SaeedHuma is a renowned researcher acclaimed for her innovative work in Difference Wiki. Her dedication has led to key breakthroughs, establishing her prominence in academia. Her contributions continually inspire and guide her field.
