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What's your strategy for testing HTML5 semantic errors?

HTML5 semantic elements are designed to provide meaningful structure and accessibility to web pages, but they can also introduce errors and inconsistencies if not used correctly. In this article, you will learn some strategies for testing HTML5 semantic errors and ensuring your markup is valid, readable, and optimized.

1 Why test HTML5 semantic errors?

HTML5 semantic errors are mistakes or violations of the rules and conventions of using semantic elements, such as <header>, <nav>, <article>, <section>, <footer>, and so on. These errors can affect how your web pages are interpreted by browsers, search engines, screen readers, and other tools that rely on the semantic meaning of your content. For example, using multiple <main> elements on a single page can confuse the users and the tools about the main content of the page. Similarly, using non-semantic elements like <div> or <span> for headings, lists, or tables can make your content less accessible and less SEO-friendly.

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Olaoluwa Akinfenwa

UX-Focused Full-Stack Web Developer | SEO-Driven & CMS Expert | Leadership Advocate & Enthusiast | I build high-conversion, cross-browser sites
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Why test HTML5 semantic errors? HTML5 semantic errors can impact how web pages are interpreted by browsers, search engines, and assistive technologies. For instance, using multiple <main> elements on a single page can lead to confusion. Using non-semantic elements like <div> or <span> for headings, lists, or tables can make content less accessible and less SEO-friendly. How to test HTML5 semantic errors? To identify and fix HTML5 semantic errors, you can use validator tools like the W3C Markup Validator, Nu Html Checker, or HTML5 Validator. These tools highlight errors and provide suggestions for fixing them. Browser extensions like HTML Validator for Firefox and Web Developer Toolbar for Chrome can also be handy for similar validations.

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2 How to test HTML5 semantic errors?

One of the easiest ways to test HTML5 semantic errors is to use a validator tool that checks your markup against the HTML5 specifications and reports any errors or warnings. There are several online validators available, such as the W3C Markup Validator, the Nu Html Checker, or the HTML5 Validator. You can use these tools by entering your URL, uploading your file, or pasting your code. The tools will highlight any semantic errors and provide suggestions on how to fix them. You can also use browser extensions or plugins that perform similar validations, such as the HTML Validator for Firefox or the Web Developer Toolbar for Chrome.

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3 How to fix HTML5 semantic errors?

The best way to fix HTML5 semantic errors is to follow the HTML5 standards and best practices when writing your markup. You should use semantic elements that match the purpose and meaning of your content, and avoid using non-semantic elements for styling or layout purposes. You should also use the appropriate attributes and values for your semantic elements, such as the lang, role, aria, and alt attributes. Additionally, you should structure your semantic elements in a logical and hierarchical way, and avoid nesting or duplicating them unnecessarily. For example, you should use only one <main> element per page, and place it inside the <body> element, not inside another semantic element like <article> or <section>.

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Zainul Abdeen Imran

Wordpress | Html | Css | Javascript | Php | web Developer 🧩
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How to fix HTML5 semantic errors? Follow HTML5 standards and best practices. Use semantic elements and appropriate attributes. - Match purpose and meaning of content. - Avoid non-semantic elements for styling. - Use lang, role, aria, and alt attributes. - Structure elements logically and hierarchically. - Avoid unnecessary nesting or duplication. - Use only one <main> element per page. Fix HTML5 semantic errors by following standards and using semantic elements.

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4 How to optimize HTML5 semantic elements?

Besides testing and fixing HTML5 semantic errors, you can also optimize your semantic elements to enhance the performance and usability of your web pages. For example, you can use the <meta> element to provide metadata about your page, such as the title, description, keywords, author, and viewport. You can also use the <link> element to specify the relationship between your page and other resources, such as stylesheets, icons, or canonical URLs. Furthermore, you can use the <script> and <style> elements to load and apply JavaScript and CSS code to your page, and use the async, defer, or media attributes to control how and when they are executed or applied.

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5 How to review HTML5 semantic elements?

Testing HTML5 semantic errors is best done by reviewing your semantic elements and comparing them with the expected output and behavior. You can use the browser's developer tools to inspect your markup, modify it, and see how it affects the page. Additionally, you can use the browser's accessibility tools or extensions to check how your semantic elements are perceived and announced by screen readers and other assistive technologies, as well as simulate different disabilities or impairments. Lastly, you can use the browser's SEO tools or extensions to analyze how your semantic elements affect the search engine optimization of your page, as well as check the keywords, titles, descriptions, and links of your page.

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6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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What's your strategy for testing HTML5 semantic errors?

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1 Why test HTML5 semantic errors?

2 How to test HTML5 semantic errors?

3 How to fix HTML5 semantic errors?

4 How to optimize HTML5 semantic elements?

5 How to review HTML5 semantic elements?

6 Here’s what else to consider

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