XHTML
XHTML is very similar to HTML in many ways. The main difference however is how strict XHTML is compared to the other.
If you are using a WYSIWYG editor, then using XHTML is probably not the way to go. Editors such as Dreamweaver or Frontpage leave your code sloppy. This then causes your pages to be not validated.
What advantages of using XHTML are there?
Well there are a few, but are yet to be seen by the general public. Many designers are now using XHTML because it shows professionalism. It forces web designers and developers to create clean code, otherwise the content just doesn't show up. As for the future, who knows?
There is some speculation of how search engines might switch over to XHTML making them the standard and not HTML, but that will take a while. But there is no harm in switching over now to be ready for the future. As well, if you ever thought about messing around with XML, you have to try out XHTML. They are two peas in a pod and work great together.
Are there any downsides to XHTML?
As with any langauges, there are. Since XHTML is strict, you cannot use some of the same features as HTML. Also, as described above, you have to do the majority of the coding by hand. For those not familiar with HTML and/or XHTML this can be a tough task. However, it is easy to learn and you will become comfortable with it in no time.
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