HTML came on the scene all the way back in the early ’90s. The language was developed by the person that is often called the father of the internet (Tim Berners-Lee) and has since evolved substantially.
Today, even web developers that create sites via a CMS like WordPress are generating HTML passively or perhaps actively if they’re coding custom modules.
If you’re trying to become a more flexible website creator and consequently, are using HTML actively, it’s important that as you master the language you avoid common HTML mistakes. What constitutes a common HTML mistake?
Below, our team looks to answer that question by sharing with you a handful of items you should watch out for.
1. Not Knowing HTML Version Differences
As you may know, there are several different versions of HTML. Today, the most recent HTML version in circulation is HTML5.
As HTML versions evolve, so do acceptable conventions when it comes to coding. By not staying abreast of the changes between versions, you’re going to run into problems.
Elements of your website may not function. Your site may not display properly in certain web browsers. Your customer’s experience may suffer to the point that they move onto your competitors.
All of that to say that you should be coding in the most recent HTML version and understand what that means.
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2. Forgetting to Close Tags
As you’re coding, you’ll be laying several tags into whatever editor you’re using. One of the most common HTML mistakes even seasoned editors make is forgetting to close their tags which then creates bugs in their code.
Granted, most modern text editors will auto-close tags when you hit enter so you may be able to avoid this fate in several cases. To be sure, every 30 minutes or so, give your recently laid code a quick screen to make sure you don’t have anything that is visibly open.
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3. Avoiding Comments
Putting comments in your HTML may seem like an antiquated process. After all, you know why you’re coding what you’re coding, right?
While that may be the case, if you ever stop your project and then revisit it months later, believe us when we say that having comments in your code will be invaluable. In another context, when teams are working on projects together, comments can help your backup quickly acclimate to your coding style so they can add value.
Start getting in the habit of leaving helpful comments in your HTML and believe us when we say that those around you will see you as much more of a commodity.
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4. Neglecting to Invest in Your Education
The world of HTML is always changing, even within the confines of a consistent version. To stay up-to-date on revisions and expand your knowledge, you must invest in your education.
The great news is that investing in your education when it comes to HTML doesn’t mean dropping thousands on school. All that’s required of you is to drop in to any number of free learning directories to explore how to display HTML inside an angular binding, how to properly craft arrays, and any number of other things.
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5. Getting Cozy With the Wrong Text Editor
The text editor you use is the primary tool that’ll enable you to accomplish your HTML tasks. With that in mind, it makes sense to make sure that tool is the right tool for you.
There are plenty of text editors out there, many of which are excellent. We recommend taking the time to try as many as possible to figure out which one you love so you don’t end up hitching your wagon to a mediocre option.
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6. Not Linking Out to Separate CSS/JavaScript Files
Your HTML file should be where you input HTML. Not HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. That’s why HTML has the ability to link out to separate text files that house alternate programming languages.
Granted, if you’re only going to include one line of JavaScript in your whole web project, it may make sense to drop your code in your HTML with a comment that lets people know what you’re doing. Any more than a line or two, however, should get placed in its own document for organizational purposes.
7. Throwing Style Consistency to the Wind
While it’s by no means the most exciting thing to do, take time to read other people’s professional-quality HTML. By doing that, you’ll begin to note what “clean code” looks like.
For the uninitiated, clean code is code that’s laid out in a way that’s easily readable and consistent. By getting into good habits when it comes to stylizing your code, you’ll find that your projects will be less buggy and will be more appreciated by employers.
Fight the urge to throw your HTML into a text editor in any old way that gets the job done. If you structure things correctly, you’ll see that your relationship with coding becomes a lot more positive!
By Avoiding Common HTML Mistakes, You’ll Save Yourself Time
Every coder, new and old, makes common HTML mistakes. What you’ll find when you commit this cardinal faux pas is that trying to double back to fix the errors can cost you hours in troubleshooting time.
Take that time back by committing our common mistakes to memory. Then, proceed confidently knowing that you’re putting yourself in a great position to do your best work.
The world of HTML, as we’ve mentioned, is evolving. To stay up-to-date on how HTML works, when to use HTML, and other popular web languages, explore more of the newest content on our blog.
