How to Use HTML5 Doctype#

The doctype declaration is an essential part of an HTML document. This guide explains how to use the HTML5 doctype declaration.

What is a Doctype?#

A doctype declaration tells the browser which version of HTML the document is written in. It helps the browser render the page correctly.

HTML5 Doctype#

The HTML5 doctype declaration is simple and straightforward:

<!DOCTYPE html>

Adding the Doctype to Your HTML Document#

The doctype declaration should be the very first line in your HTML document, before the <html> tag:

<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>
<head>
  <title>HTML5 Doctype Example</title>
</head>
<body>
  <h1>Hello, World!</h1>
</body>
</html>

Benefits of Using the HTML5 Doctype#

Simplified Syntax#

The HTML5 doctype is shorter and simpler than previous versions, making it easier to remember and use.

Improved Browser Compatibility#

Using the HTML5 doctype ensures that your document is rendered in standards mode, which provides better compatibility across different browsers.

Conclusion#

The HTML5 doctype declaration is a crucial part of modern HTML documents. By using the HTML5 doctype, you can ensure that your webpages are rendered correctly and consistently across different browsers.