HTML validator

.net

[collymellon]

Hi all,

Could any help with finding some information or samples on how to write a validator for HTML / CSS pages. I am wanting to write my own validator for accessible websites in .NET and struggling to find any decent info on the topic.

Thanks

[mrMister]

Hi all,

I'm wanting to invent something that I can put on the front and back of my bicycle frame to help it move. Can anyone offer any advice?

;-)

[victor]

It's comparatively trivial to write a HTML validator.

Start with the easy stuff:

A HTML page with a DOCTYPE definition should validate against the stated DTD. So:

1: parse the DTD into an internal format you are happy with

2: Ditto for the HTML page

3:Compare the two. Where the HTML page goes adrift from the DTD, you have an error

What is tricky -- and will mark your validator as more or less usable and user friendly than existing ones -- is how you handle error recovery: ie what you do to get back on track when the HTML is missing a close tag, close quote etc.

With good error recovery you are more than halfway to being able to make a stab at validating wild HTML -- the stuff that isn't constrained by a known DTD.

The other thing that will mark your solution as better or worse is the quality and preciseness of your error messages.

[mattglet]

mrMister-

I have this new thing I'm building. It works just like a wheel, but it's better! You want in?

In all seriousness to OP: have fun with that project!

[collymellon]

Hi all,
I'm wanting to invent something that I can put on the front and back of my bicycle frame to help it move. Can anyone offer any advice?

;-)

I havent got time for jokers; Im gathering information, this isnt a give me the code so I can get rich this is new project our company (a very large disability company may I add) is taking on. This will be getting developed no matter what smart arses say like you.

victor thanks for the info - this aint going to be easy by all means :)

[Eltiti]

I think the "jokers" are trying to say something about "reinventing the wheel" --and they may have a point...

I personally use "CSE HTML Validator", a product with which I am extremely happy, and it has extensive accessibility checks. It has a free trial version, and I would not be surprised if they gave disability companies a discount (it isn't too expensive, anyway).

BTW, I have *no* connections with the company that writes the software; I just use it.

[collymellon]

thanks eltiti - I understand that this has been done before - loads of software that allready does it..

We are wanting to develop it ourselves to have it operate / check docs exactly how we want; we then use that information to generate a printed report in compliance with DDA / W3C guidelines. This will be getting a huge marketing budget etc so will be big, I wont be developing the software - im just the webmaster wannabe :)

We have a team of microsoft certified developers who are more than up for the task so we are just trying to get as much info / advice before this gets on the way..