XHTML first came along in December of 2000. It has since then grown in popularity substantially but has yet made the final leap. Although XHTML has some problems being viewed in Internet Explorer, it is still of great use and is very powerful.
Unlike HTML, all XHTML have to have a closing tag. Be it an img or a p, it has to end. This is great practice for beginners and also helps even the most advanced markup writer keep up on his work. Also, if you are looking to impress your buddies or if you are looking to start your own web design business, XHTML is a good place to start. It makes your source code clean and readable, the most important things when looking for a professional.
Not only that, it has other benefits as well. With XML becoming ever so popular, XHTML comes right along with it.
XML has been gaining ground ever since the start of RSS and will only grow as the weeks and months go on. When Firefox announced the support of live bookmarks in 1.0 the frenzy just began.
Since the beginning of 2004, Yahoo, MSN and many other news organizations have came out with RSS support. Plus, with the rise of blogs XHTML and XML have come to the forefront of today's technology.
With Internet Explorer getting heat from Firefox with Opera (who also has RSS support) holding onto a small percentage, they are looking at possibly using RSS support to help hold down the Mozillians.
So in retrospect, XHTML shows professionalism and is the future of the World Wide Web. So why not stay ahead of the game and switch over now It is worth your time, believe me.
About the Author
Gary is a freelance web designer for Low Cost Web Design