why is validation important?

[kanezfan]

I notice in a few threads where people say that this or that is not valid xhtml or is not compliant. I mean I understand why we should all follow a set of guidelines when making web pages, but it seems like some people get all bent out of shape like the world is going to end when they find some non-compliant piece of code. and another thing, what is the deal with putting the //W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd" at the top of the page? does that check the page your viewing against the w3.org servers or something?

[Kamex]

As far as I know, it mearly labels your page as an XHTML Transitional Page.

Personaly, I don't see what the fuss is about either. If it works on all browsers, then what's the problem?

[Zachery]

Because would you want a program that didnt meet standards? or a car for that matter?

[Chris Gwynne]

It's the fact that it DOESN'T work on all browsers is what the problem is. By making web pages XHTML compliant you're not only making sure they work in every browser possible be it handheld or computer based and ensuring that the websites will work in the future.

[Kamex]

Even if I make an XHTML strict page that follows the standards completely, Dreamweaver still gives me compatibility warnings, some of which only occur in XHTML.

[Zachery]

Theres your problem your using Dreamweaver :P