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HTML Basics

Introduction to HTMLHTML Document StructureHTML ElementsHTML AttributesHTML HeadingsHTML ParagraphsHTML Text FormattingHTML CommentsHTML LinksHTML ImagesHTML ListsHTML TablesHTML Blocks and Inline ElementsHTML ClassesHTML IdHTML IframesHTML File PathsHTML HeadHTML Layout ElementsHTML Responsive Web Design

HTML Forms and Input

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HTML Advanced Topics

HTML EntitiesHTML SymbolsHTML EmojisHTML CharsetHTML URL EncodeHTML XHTMLHTML Style GuideHTML vs. XHTMLHTML AccessibilityHTML Best PracticesHTML SEO BasicsHTML MetadataHTML Responsive ImagesHTML Picture ElementHTML FaviconHTML Performance Optimization

HTML and Other Technologies

HTML and CSSHTML and JavaScriptHTML DOMHTML EventsHTML Web ComponentsHTML TemplatesHTML Custom ElementsHTML Shadow DOMHTML MicrodataHTML and XMLHTML and JSONHTML and ARIAHTML and SVGHTML and MathML

HTML Tools and Resources

HTML EditorsHTML ValidatorsHTML Color CodesHTML Character CodesHTML Language CodesHTML Country CodesHTML DoctypesHTML Canvas ReferenceHTML Audio/Video DOM ReferenceHTML Attribute ReferenceHTML Event ReferenceHTML Color NamesHTML Web Storage Objects

HTML Doctypes

HTML doctypes are essential declarations that inform web browsers about the version of HTML used in a document. They play a crucial role in ensuring proper rendering and compatibility across different browsers.

Purpose of Doctypes

Doctypes serve several important functions:

  • Specify the HTML version
  • Trigger standards mode in browsers
  • Ensure consistent rendering
  • Validate HTML documents

Common Doctype Declarations

Here are some frequently used doctype declarations:

HTML5 Doctype

The most common and recommended doctype for modern web development:

<!DOCTYPE html>

HTML 4.01 Strict

For HTML 4.01 without presentational or deprecated elements:

<!DOCTYPE HTML PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.01//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/html4/strict.dtd">

XHTML 1.0 Transitional

For XHTML 1.0 with presentational elements and attributes:

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd">

Using Doctypes

To use a doctype, place it at the very beginning of your HTML document, before the <html> tag. This ensures that browsers interpret your code correctly.

Example

<!DOCTYPE html>
<html lang="en">
<head>
    <meta charset="UTF-8">
    <title>My Web Page</title>
</head>
<body>
    <h1>Welcome to my website!</h1>
</body>
</html>

Best Practices

  • Always include a doctype declaration in your HTML documents
  • Use the HTML5 doctype for new projects
  • Ensure the doctype is the first line in your HTML file
  • Be consistent with your chosen doctype across your website

Related Concepts

To deepen your understanding of HTML structure and standards, explore these related topics:

By mastering HTML doctypes, you'll ensure your web pages are interpreted correctly by browsers, leading to consistent rendering and improved compatibility across different platforms.