What Are The Benefits Of Semantic HTML?

HTML (Hypertext Markup Language), is the building block of making websites, that was introduced in the 1980s. A lot of beginners think that HTML is a programming language, but it is a markup language. The current version of HTML is HTML5. Every version adds a better user experience for the user and more features. HTML5 introduced more tags to enclose content to give the enclosed content meaning. You may be wondering what are the benefits of semantic HTML? I hope I can offer you some valuable insight.

Although HTML is not a programming language, it is still a necessary tool to use to write a basic website. When you started your learning journey, you used HTML to build a static website.

Usually, when programmers progress in their learning, they learn about best practices in coding. One of the best practices concerning HTML is using semantic versus regular HTML. What do I mean by this? Semantic HTML is more descriptive than standard HTML. Are you ready to learn more and become a better programmer? There are a lot of benefits of semantic HTML that I would love to tell you about.

I have also found this great video on semantic HTML that will benefit you.

Benefits

After researching this topic, I came across many benefits of HTML that I didn’t know I would love to share with you.

Improved Accessibility

Semantic HTML helps create a more accessible web experience for users with disabilities. Assistive technologies rely on the proper semantic structure to understand and present web content accurately, making it easier for individuals to navigate and comprehend the content with screen readers or other assistive devices.

Screen Readers

If you have low vision or are blind, you probably rely on screen readers as you navigate websites. Screen readers rely on semantic HTML to tell the human using the screen reader what is on the page. For example, if there is a table on the page, the screen reader can determine if it’s semantic HTML with a table element on the page, and they will let the user navigate the table with the keyboard.

This is also the case with a button inside a <button/> element instead of putting the button in a <div/>.

The <button/> element is semantic HTML and is better practice than a <div/>, which is generic HTML. If the developer uses the semantic <button/> element, the screen reader can tell the user that the <button/> element can be clicked. This is not the case if a <div> is used to enclose the button.

SEO

Are you making a website for a client? Or to make your website for your portfolio that can be found on Google? Search engines rely on semantic HTML to understand the content and context of web pages. Using semantic elements and properly structuring the content can enhance the search engine visibility of a website. Semantic HTML allows search engines to better index and rank the website, potentially improving its visibility in search engine results.

I would like to give you an example to help you understand what I’m talking about.

Putting your website’s navigation in a <nav> helps bots understand where to go to find site-wide navigation links for your website. Using a <nav> is much more descriptive than putting your navigation in a <div>. This is much easier to read and understand, leading me to the next benefit.

Ease of Understanding

When other people look at your HTML, for example, if you are working with other developers, you should adhere to best practices.

Imagine if you had a site filled with <div> elements. How hard would that be to read?

Semantic HTML improves the readability and maintainability of code for developers. The use of appropriate semantic elements, such as <header>, <nav>, <section>, and <footer>, provides a clear and consistent structure to the codebase. This makes it easier for developers to understand, update, and modify the code in the future.

By using elements that accurately represent the purpose and structure of the content, developers can more easily navigate through the codebase. It promotes consistency and clarity, making it easier for multiple developers to collaborate on the project.

I think we should go ahead and take the example I had before. The <table> element is much more descriptive than putting a table inside a <div>. It is also better to write giant content inside a <section> tag rather than a generic <div> tag.

It is hard to understand the content if you have a site littered with <div> elements.

Future Proofing

Semantic HTML ensures the compatibility and longevity of web content. By using semantic elements instead of relying on non-semantic or presentational elements, the code remains compatible with future web standards and technologies. It helps future-proof the website, ensuring that it can adapt to evolving web technologies and remains accessible and usable for years to come.

Responsive Design and Styling

Semantic HTML provides a solid foundation for responsive design and styling. By structuring content semantically, developers can apply CSS styles and create responsive layouts more efficiently. Semantic elements help define the purpose and hierarchy of content, making it easier to apply appropriate styles for different screen sizes and devices

Examples of Semantic HTML

It’s easier to keep using <div> and <span> elements everywhere, but we should switch to HTML5 because it will serve our career well. There are many HTML5 tags out there, and it will take time and effort to learn them. I have discovered a class on Plural Sight that will further your knowledge and give you hands-on experience with HTML5. Even more remarkable is that you can learn with a FREE 7-day trial.

Learn Semantic HTML On Codecademy

HTML is One Part of The Picture

Overall, using semantic HTML benefits accessibility, SEO, maintainability, future compatibility, code organization, and responsive design. By incorporating semantic elements into web development practices, developers can create more accessible, search engine-friendly, and maintainable websites that provide a better user experience.

HTML is excellent but does not make the website dynamic, meaning you can’t interact with the website. HTML should be used along with Javascript and CSS, or a CSS framework, to make awesome dynamic functional websites that will make you a lot of money one day. It’s a journey to accelerate your skills in these areas, but with the time and dedication you put into learning, these skills are worth it.

Once you get better at these skills, you can begin a rewarding career in software development.

Conclusion

I hope I helped you understand some of the benefits of semantic HTML.

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