HTML checkers

Should I do what it says?

[spikedo55]

Ran my newest site through one of the online html checkers. Suprise, it came up with many errors. The most prevalent error is that it says I didn't put quotes around things like color=, vlink=, and similar attributes. Everything works fine w/o quotes.

My question is does not putting any quotes around these attributes hurt my chances in search engines, in particular Google? Thanks.

[JamesR]

no you won't have any problems with the engines. Quotes are a part of the HTML standard but make no real difference in functionality.

[martinibuster]

No, it won't hurt you with the search engines, even Google.

However, it's a good idea to have code that validates, that way it will be backward compatible with future browsers (if your web site is still around).

[g1smd]

Some versions of Netscape choke on unquoted attributes.

Remember to "Quote" all attributes, especially all "#FFFFFF" colors, all URLs, all "50%" sizes, and any other attribute value that contains anything other than a simple "A" to "Z" or "0" to "9" value. In HTML 4.01 it is recommended to quote all attribute values.

[papabaer]

Right! It's just easier to do it "right!" The truth is, after you begin to acquire the habits of "valid" coding... it becomes second nature. Make it a habit and you will thank yourself for it time and time again.

[deejay]

I agree with papabaer (hehe.. like that's so hard to do)... get into the habit of doing it right.

I first learnt html through (*gasp* *cringe*) chat.. y'know, italicising, posting pics, bolding, that basic stuff... unknown to me, the site automatically quoted attributes for us and so I was taught without quotes.

Nasty surprise indeed getting into the real world of building my own sites and having to go back, and back, and back to add quotes. Took months to get into the habit.