why use fwd slash before closing of tag? " <tag /> "

[Aniais]

I encounter this syntax occasionally, more often when HTML is mixed with PHP
,etc.

can anyone explain or justify the use of fwd slash at the ending of tags?

would it screw up html in some cases?

thanks!

anais

 

[Vince Morgan]

I encounter this syntax occasionally, more often when HTML is mixed with PHP
,etc.

can anyone explain or justify the use of fwd slash at the ending of tags?

would it screw up html in some cases?

thanks!

anais

In XHTML tags must be closed. So, tags such as <BR> which are not normaly
closed in HTML become <br/>. XHTML tags are all lower case too.
HTH
Vince Morgan

 

[Dylan Parry]

XHTML tags are all lower case too.

Which isn't to say that all HTML tags are upper-case, just that it
doesn't matter whether HTML is written in upper, lower or a mixture of
cases.

--
Dylan Parry
http://electricfreedom.org | http://webpageworkshop.co.uk

Programming, n: A pastime similar to banging one's head
against a wall, but with fewer opportunities for reward.

 

[Andy Dingley]

I encounter this syntax occasionally, more often when HTML is mixed with PHP

It's an XHTML feature. It's not needed for HTML and although it's
unlikely to cause much practical trouble, it's strictly wrong to use
it.

Don't use XHTML. Certainly don't use XHTML unless you're fairly expert
in its subtleties. These are not simple!

If you want to know more, searching this group or c.i.w.a.h for
"appendix c" will probably show some more detailed discussion of it.

 

[Toby Inkster]

Which isn't to say that all HTML tags are upper-case, just that it
doesn't matter whether HTML is written in upper, lower or a mixture of
cases.

Except <bLOCkquOte> -- it's important that <bLOCkquOte> is written
exactly that way.

 

[Joe (GKF)]

Except <bLOCkquOte> -- it's important that <bLOCkquOte> is written
exactly that way.

Only if you're using it to provide an indent on stuff that isn't a
quote..