CSS is also backwards compatible so to speak, it will render in every browser under the sun almost. This means it will come up in Netscape, internet explorer, PDA devices, and text-based devices depending on the CSS support. This does not mean it will show up the same, but the CONTENT will be displayed at least in case the browser can’t understand the style sheet. From PC’s to Macs, from PDA’s to Cell phones the content can be accessed and that what websites are for.
SEO
Being that XHTML sites are completely structure and content, search engines LOVE them! Completely SEO (Search Engine Optimized). The engines see the site for what it is and the ranks are much higher with web standards compliant sites.
Are there any catches?
- Somewhat steeper learning curve, you have to learn CSS.
- Browser compatibility issues in older browsers.
- Some layouts can be achieved much more easily using tables than CSS (with all the disadvantages).
These were just a few points I wanted to illustrate about web standards, what they are and why they could benefit you and your customers. There are many more points that could interest many people to have their sites create or converted to conform to web standards. It is a relatively simple conversion depending on the design and size of the site, but once its done it makes things tremendously easier to maintain or change. Below are some nice resource on the issue and why it would be important for you and you website. I hope this article was helpful in some way and I hope you all get a better understanding of web standards now.