What I do
Valid XHTML, CSS and Unobtrusive Javascript
I specialize in creating websites that I build in three layers: content, style and behavior. I use this method to ensure compatibility with the widest range of browsers and accessibility for the disabled (such as screen readers). Here's how it works:
- Content (XHTML): I first create valid XHTML documents with proper semantic markup and hierarchy (such as headings of appropriate levels and images with alternate text). Why should you care about valid XHTML? See "Why Validate?"
- Style (CSS): I then create separate CSS file(s) to control the display of your site. CSS controls page layout, text formatting, color schemes and any images used to enhance the appearance of your site, such as a logo image or background image.
Additional benefits of using a separate style sheet include:
- I can ensure all documents across your entire website display consistently.
- I can create separate style sheets to be applied to different media. For example, one style sheet can be used for a computer screen, another for a hand held media device (such as iPhone) and yet another if the user prints your document.
- It is possible to switch between style sheets and change the appearance of your document(s) instantaneously, without the content changing. For example, if you want a large text version, the user clicks a link and the appearance of the entire page changes.
- Behavior (Javascript): Lastly, I create unobtrusive JavaScript file(s) to enhance the site. Notice that I said enhance. I only use JavaScript to enhance an already functional document. JavaScript can be turned off or filtered out by firewalls on the user's computer, so it is unwise to rely on JavaScript alone for functionality. Because my JavaScript is unobtrusive, your site will not break if the user disables it. For example, I can use JavaScript to check that the user has completed a form properly, but if it is disabled, the form will still work.
Contact me
Ready to start a project? Have some questions? You can reach me via email at sarah@designedbysarah.com
