Non-Semantic HTML
Non-semantic HTML refers to the use of HTML elements that do not convey meaning about the content they enclose, such as <div> and <span>, which are generic containers without inherent semantic value. This approach focuses on structure and presentation rather than describing the purpose or role of the content, often leading to less accessible and less SEO-friendly web pages. It contrasts with semantic HTML, which uses elements like <header>, <article>, and <nav> to provide meaningful context to both browsers and assistive technologies.
Developers should learn about non-semantic HTML to understand its limitations and when it might be used, such as in legacy codebases or for quick prototyping where semantic structure is not a priority. However, it is generally discouraged in modern web development because it can hinder accessibility, search engine optimization, and code maintainability, making it important to transition to semantic HTML for production applications.