HTML Validation

The validator checks the mark up validity of Web documents in HTML, XHTML, SMIL, Math ML, etc. If you wish to validate specific content such as RSS/Atom feeds or CSS style sheets or to find broken links, there are other validators and tools available on the web page. In software project management, software testing, and software engineering, Verification and Validation (V And V) is the process of checking that a software system meets specifications and that it fulfils its intended purpose. It is normally part of the software testing process of a project. In pharmaceutical industry, verification involves testing the suitability of well established procedures or (compendial) methods, whereas validation varies from Cross validation, Empirical validation, periodic partial validation, internal/external validation, competence validation by nature, and Cleaning validation, Process validation, Equipment validation, or Documentation validation by tasks. Verification ensures that the final product satisfies or matches the original design (low level checking) , you built the product right. This is done through static testing.

Validation checks that the product design satisfies or fits the intended usage (highlevel checking) , you built the right product. This is done through dynamic testing and other forms of review.

According to the Capability Maturity Model , Validation The process of evaluating software during or at the end of the development process to determine whether it satisfies specified requirements. [IEEESTD610] Verification The process of evaluating software to determine whether the products of a given development phase satisfy the conditions imposed at the start of that phase.

In other words, verification is ensuring that the product has been built according to the requirements and design specifications, while validation ensures that the product actually meets the user's needs, and that the specifications were correct in the first place. Verification ensures that you built it right. Validation confirms that the product, as provided, will fulfill its intended use. Validation ensures that you built the right thing.

Now there are sites that still do rank well even though the html code has many errors. This is because most of the current major browsers are still very forgiving of html mistakes, however future browsers will become more html compliant as the Internet advances. Sites that have not bothered with html code validation will then fall by the wayside or take time and money to be corrected. That's why you should take the necessary steps NOW to make sure that the code on your web site is validated.

What is HTML validation?

This is the process that analyzes an HTML document in comparison to standard HTML rules, identifying errors and nonstandard codes. Web pages are rendered using HTML (Hyper Text Markup Language). As with any language there are rules and standards that should be followed. For example the HTML 4.01 Specification (rules and standards) are available. You can check the html validation of your web page by entering your url at: http://validator.w3.org/

6 Benefits of HTML validation

1. Web Site Accessibility validating your html code helps to pinpoint areas of potential blockage that could prevent search engine spiders or visitors from accessing your website. When you run your site through a code validator it may produce many errors that need to be corrected so your pages will render well. ie include text with your "alt" tags for every < img > tag.
2. Faster Loading if your web page contains html errors it will take a longer time for the search engines to spider it, therefore slowing the loading time. If your page doesn't load in under 10 seconds your visitors may click away to your competitors' sites.

3. Less load on servers clean and simple code won't tax your server as much as a site which has complicated code or contain many nested tables. Cascading style sheets (CSS) will greatly reduce the amount of code within your web pages. This will also cut down on the amount of web space and bandwidth used thus saving you money for hosting your site.

4. Easier to update and maintain web site with no mistakes in your html code it is easier and faster to make changes to your web pages. For web site designers, this means you will save time and money when maintaining clients' sites.

5. Browser compatibility validated code ensures your site is compatible with the current browsers and future browsers. You might say "well, it looks fine in Internet Explorer, so why bother with any other browsers?" Current browsers will continue to update their rules and future browsers will make sure they are html compliant.

6. Access more visitors if you ensure your web pages appear correctly in all the major browsers you will be able to reach a larger audience which then increases the potential of your site to make more sales.

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