Why Are Web Standards So Important?
Tag2 is committed to developing using the latest standards and guidelines; for the benefit of our clients and the future of the Web.
The Work of the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C)
The W3C sets the standards for the World Wide Web. It's to everybody's advantage to comply with these standards. It is these standards that Microsoft, Netscape, Mozilla, and others consult when they design new versions of their Web browsers. It is also these standards that are used by multimedia companies and others when designing new software for the Web.
The Purpose of The W3C
According to the W3C, "the purposes of the Consortium are to support the advancement of information technology in the field of networking, graphics and user interfaces by evolving the World Wide Web toward a true information infrastructure, and to encourage cooperation in the industry through the promotion and development of standard interfaces in the information environment known as the 'World Wide Web.'"
Pulling in The Same Direction
The standards set by the W3C allow Web developers, designers, coders, programmers, software manufacturers and others to all march to the same tune. In complying with the standards, we all end up with a faster, smoother, more functional Web. With the rapid development of the Web, compliance with standards is a must so as to keep pace with emerging technologies. If you want your Web pages to display correctly in the next generation of viewing devices, it is imperative that we follow the W3C's recommendations.
A well-written XHTML document is guaranteed to display in a standards-compliant browser (which most are today) because of the W3C specifications. No longer do Web sites need to display the notice: "This page is best viewed with XXX browser".
Onward and Upward!
Is it possible to continue to code in HTML 4.01 and still have viewable Web pages? Yes, and it may be that way for some time to come. However, technology changes rapidly. Failure to respond rapidly can be detrimental for our clients and ourselves. Changing course now allows us and our clients a smoother transition later.
By coding in XHTML and CSS, we're laying a foundation for the future. As new opportunities open up, we'll be prepared by complying with the standard today.
Tell me more about XHTML.
Tell me more about CSS.