Doctype preference

[Willemina]

Hi.
I would like to know which Doctype you use and why. I use XHTML strict because that is what my teacher told us to use. But I am not sure if that is the best one to use.

Thanks for answering.
Willemina

[BigAlReturns]

I've always used Transitional - don't really know why, it was just what someone recommended to me when I started out and I've stuck with it. I'm not too clued up on the differences, so I just stick with what works!

[ryanhellyer]

I chose HTML 4.0 Strict as that is what I use by choice. XHTML isn't supported by IE yet so there isn't much point in using it. And it is looking like XHTML is not going to be the way ahead as HTML 5.0 seems to be the preferred route that the major browser manufacturers are heading in.

I usually end up using XHTML Transitional though as WordPress, SMF and other pieces of software I use require them.

Strict Doctypes are definitely the way to go though. Transitional is only there as a stopgap solution for web designers who don't want to tidy their code up. They will eventually be phased out entirely.

There is very little use for Frameset Doctypes and thankfully very few people use them accordingly.

I had great difficulty convincing a friend of mine that there was ZERO point in using a XHTML 1.1 Doctype in his company website (ironically it was a web design company!). AFAIK XHTML 1.1 is not supported by any browsers yet.

[BigAlReturns]

Originally Posted by ryanhellyer

AFAIK XHTML 1.1 is not supported by any browsers yet.

It's definitely not - and even if the next lot of browsers out do support it, there will still be so many people using older browsers it won't be a good idea to use it for a long time yet I think.

[ryanhellyer]

Originally Posted by BigAlReturns

... there will still be so many people using older browsers it won't be a good idea to use it for a long time yet I think.

I assume we're more likely to jump to XHTML 2.0 before 1.1 ever comes in.