Web Standards the Grammar of the Web
Web Standards are an important aspect of web development. A website that uses valid HTML, CSS, and JavaScript according to standards organizations such as the World Wide Web Consortium is considered standards compliant. I'd liken this to a written publication that complies with American grammar standards.
The difference between web standards and grammar is that web is evolving at faster rate, which brings unique challenges for developers and browsers. Because the web is open and free to use by all, anyone can publish a web page. As a result it is difficult to monitor standards compliance. As new technology comes out CSS3, HTML5, etc. to promote better user experiences both developers and browsers have to be savvy about adapting to the latest techniques. Publishing copy is far more static because there are editors in place who follow the rules of standard American grammar to approve, reject, or correct written copy. This limits the rate at which American grammar can be altered. Imagine reading books and newspaper articles where the grammar was implemented differently each time-- it would make for a horrible reading experience and poor ineffective writers all over the country. Responsible web developers should make an effort to stay up on new technology to not only further their careers by making cooler websites, but to ultimately to encourage the use of web standards in a field where there is no requirement for editing.
Browsers and development tools also limit the success of web standards. If a developer is using web standards and the latest technology it is critical that browsers comply. A progressive developer is easily frustrated when the time spent on his or her elaborate site is wasted because and outdated browser cannot interpret the source code. Web development tools that are not updated perpetuate the cycle of sub par websites when the produce outdated source code. As you can see, standards compliant browsers and development tools play an integral part in the promotion of web standards.
The world wide web is young and constantly growing, which makes it unique compared to various print publications. The propagation of web standards will have to start with communities of web developers and browsers who make it their personal goal to adhere to the standards. Standards organizations could provide incentives to developers for following standards. While browsers should be consistent across the board in rendering up to date features. Eventually this would weed out those who are slowing the web standards movement and enhance web usability all over the world.
The difference between web standards and grammar is that web is evolving at faster rate, which brings unique challenges for developers and browsers. Because the web is open and free to use by all, anyone can publish a web page. As a result it is difficult to monitor standards compliance. As new technology comes out CSS3, HTML5, etc. to promote better user experiences both developers and browsers have to be savvy about adapting to the latest techniques. Publishing copy is far more static because there are editors in place who follow the rules of standard American grammar to approve, reject, or correct written copy. This limits the rate at which American grammar can be altered. Imagine reading books and newspaper articles where the grammar was implemented differently each time-- it would make for a horrible reading experience and poor ineffective writers all over the country. Responsible web developers should make an effort to stay up on new technology to not only further their careers by making cooler websites, but to ultimately to encourage the use of web standards in a field where there is no requirement for editing.
Browsers and development tools also limit the success of web standards. If a developer is using web standards and the latest technology it is critical that browsers comply. A progressive developer is easily frustrated when the time spent on his or her elaborate site is wasted because and outdated browser cannot interpret the source code. Web development tools that are not updated perpetuate the cycle of sub par websites when the produce outdated source code. As you can see, standards compliant browsers and development tools play an integral part in the promotion of web standards.
The world wide web is young and constantly growing, which makes it unique compared to various print publications. The propagation of web standards will have to start with communities of web developers and browsers who make it their personal goal to adhere to the standards. Standards organizations could provide incentives to developers for following standards. While browsers should be consistent across the board in rendering up to date features. Eventually this would weed out those who are slowing the web standards movement and enhance web usability all over the world.
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