XHTML Strict or Transitional?

**StarLab** · 11-05-2007, 08:06 AM

Greetings...

Once again, I find myself wondering about the need to have XHTML strict validation on my markup.

I develop templates for Joomla/Mambo and as close as I follow the Strict guidelines in my templates, the Joomla core spits out it's content in depreciated markup causing my markup to fail validation. (I believe the upcoming Joomla 1.5 has taken steps toward fixing this issue)

Granted, I could go through the core files and fix it, but I don't believe this to be a good idea as future upgrades would just overwrite my efforts.

Is this something I should be concerned about? None of my past clients gave a hoot about this, but as a web developer, I would LOVE to see "Passed Strict Validation" on my work.

If I only pass Transitional XHTML, does that make me look like an inferior web developer?

Thoughts?...

Bernard · 11-05-2007, 08:57 AM

If the core produces transitional code, you should aim for transitional code IMO. When the core produces strict, you should produce strict.

Unless you are writing the core/backend, I don't think it is a reflection upon you.

Dan Williamson · 11-05-2007, 01:14 PM

I tend to go for the strict markup, but thats just because I like to have it strict, for me if it works in all of the major browsers and has good functionality then you don't need to be valid by strict or transitional, but more often than not valid-code will help you achieve this.

**StarLab** · 11-05-2007, 09:05 PM

Thanks for the responses.

Even though core code breaks my efforts, I shall continue to keep things strict in what I do.

Doesn't hurt to stay fresh...

Bernard · 11-06-2007, 05:40 AM

Just to clarify my earlier post - some browsers (or other html renderers - page readers, etc.) use the doctype to interpret the html code. You should aim to make the code complaint with whatever doctype you choose to ensure the best compatibility of your pages with all manner of web enabled devices (including possibly search engines spidering your pages).

**StarLab** · 11-06-2007, 08:15 AM

Yes, because Joomla is transitional, that's what I set my Doctype to. NP.

Thanks.

Dan Williamson · 11-06-2007, 06:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bernard

Just to clarify my earlier post - some browsers (or other html renderers - page readers, etc.) use the doctype to interpret the html code. You should aim to make the code complaint with whatever doctype you choose to ensure the best compatibility of your pages with all manner of web enabled devices (including possibly search engines spidering your pages).

A basic rule which is generally overlooked by newcomers, well said!

webmistress1 · 12-07-2007, 01:50 PM

Hi,

Sometimes when you have "uncommon html elements" to your pages, strict or transitional wont validate with certain uncommon elements... ASP, VB, Actionscript, Perl Scripts, etc.

If this is the case, I take out said elements, validate and then add those elements back into the web page. I have heard this from many industry professionals, It happens to others all the time.

I dont think that its a bad reflection on you!

Good luck!

Jesse Vlasveld · 12-17-2007, 04:05 PM

I taught myself strict from the beginning, I have no idea why. When I change it into trans it always messes up my validation.

pontarae · 07-22-2008, 01:05 PM

I accept transitional validation on my submitted projects. I wouldn't know how to act if I got one that passed "Strict". :-)

PixelPerfectDesigner · 08-02-2008, 02:50 PM

i personally think both are good as long as your codes are clean doesn't really matter which one to use, transitional is more flexible, it allows some tag and attributes which the strict doesn't.

Izzmo · 08-04-2008, 01:17 PM

A little late on the response: but definitely strict XHTML. Transitional is hitting the bottom and will go away soon, so you might as well stay on top of it and do XHTML.

Rexibit · 08-04-2008, 05:36 PM

If you are producing a website from scratch, do what you would be happy with. However, if you are relying on a third-party CMS, validate against what they produce.

skyscraper · 08-06-2008, 08:48 PM

this is a hard part for me. my coding are always comes up with lot of error.
i always used w3c html validator

DNnetz · 11-28-2008, 06:01 AM

It isn't hard to change transitional into strict. So even if the core produces transitional, you could use strict by modifying some parts.

D3n!ss3_gÜrL · 12-04-2008, 06:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StarLab

Is this something I should be concerned about? None of my past clients gave a hoot about this, but as a web developer, I would LOVE to see "Passed Strict Validation" on my work.

If I only pass Transitional XHTML, does that make me look like an inferior web developer?

Thoughts?...

No, I don't think it should be something to be concerned about. Or would that make you an inferior web developer if you only pass Transitional XHTML.

Well, for me as long as you did your coding right and close all tags it's fine. The w3c consortium tells it all. Just remember to test both in Firefox and IE and the codes are simpler and neater.

Just my thoughts anyway.

seosean · 12-06-2008, 10:53 PM

Also remember that passing validation on a website is great and all for us coders but to the average Internet user all they are concerned with is it displays correctly in their browse. So I don't think that it speaks any less of you if it validates Transitional.