Slash at the end of meta tags

Eurod · 07-14-2011, 11:11 PM

Does the slash matter? What is the difference; with or without the slash ?

<meta name="description" content="Some description here" />

and without the /

<meta name="description" content="Some description here">

Thanks.

vc · 07-15-2011, 06:28 AM

The slash means end of element.

It should actually be <meta name=""></meta> but since it's an empty element with only attributes, it's written <meta name="" />

This is all basic XML. Read up on it a bit..

Eurod · 07-18-2011, 04:19 PM

Ok, I'm understand that but why some sites does have the slash and some others not? That is bugging me and I don't understand.

**enlytend** · 07-19-2011, 03:30 AM

The slash is the correct syntax if you're using an XHTML doctype. It's an abbreviation for a closing tag (</whatever>) on void elements (elements which don't have content, like meta, img and input.) However it's incorrect and causes a validation error if your doctype is HTML 4.01 or earlier.

HTML5 doesn't care - but if for some reason the page is going to be parsed as XML, use the slash.

BTW, use of a closing tag for void elements is invalid in all HTML versions.

sdsinc · 07-19-2011, 03:38 PM

Originally Posted by Eurod

Ok, I'm understand that but why some sites does have the slash and some others not? That is bugging me and I don't understand.

Look at the top of the HTML source code. Probably it's XHTML so the syntax is a bit different. For example self-containing tags like <br> will be written as <br />.

JessicaJohn · 08-12-2011, 01:45 AM

in HTML language its does matter and have importance and i think you should not neglect it.

07-14-2011, 11:11 PM	THREAD STARTER #1 (permalink)
Eurod NamePros Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 114	Slash at the end of meta tags Does the slash matter? What is the difference; with or without the slash ? <meta name="description" content="Some description here" /> and without the / <meta name="description" content="Some description here"> Thanks. __________________ PDF Reader

07-15-2011, 06:28 AM	#2 (permalink)
vc NamePros Regular Join Date: Sep 2010 Posts: 289	The slash means end of element. It should actually be <meta name=""></meta> but since it's an empty element with only attributes, it's written <meta name="" /> This is all basic XML. Read up on it a bit.. __________________ vanilla.me - New/Transfer/Renew: $15 - The sweetest ccTLD Registrar

07-18-2011, 04:19 PM	THREAD STARTER #3 (permalink)
Eurod NamePros Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 114	Ok, I'm understand that but why some sites does have the slash and some others not? That is bugging me and I don't understand. __________________ PDF Reader

07-19-2011, 03:30 AM	#4 (permalink)
enlytend Forum Moderator Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: USA Posts: 2,152 Follow @enlytend	The slash is the correct syntax if you're using an XHTML doctype. It's an abbreviation for a closing tag (</whatever>) on void elements (elements which don't have content, like meta, img and input.) However it's incorrect and causes a validation error if your doctype is HTML 4.01 or earlier. HTML5 doesn't care - but if for some reason the page is going to be parsed as XML, use the slash. BTW, use of a closing tag for void elements is invalid in all HTML versions. __________________ Enlytend Solutions - Internet marketing and web development Was my advice helpful? Please consider a small donation to the National Canine Cancer Foundation - a tax deductible 501(c)(3)that directly funds cancer research Last edited by enlytend; 07-19-2011 at 03:42 AM.

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08-12-2011, 01:45 AM	#6 (permalink)
JessicaJohn Account Suspended Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: USA Posts: 5	in HTML language its does matter and have importance and i think you should not neglect it.

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