The Old NetISSUE #17 of 60

xhtml 1.1 · modularization

Pixel PeteVSQuirks Mode

Pixel Pete saysXHTML 1.1 modularized the language and dropped the Transitional escape hatch.

XHTML 1.1 split the language into reusable modules (for forms, tables, etc.) so devices could support subsets, and it removed Transitional — there was only one strict, modular version. It also pushed harder toward being served as real XML. Adoption was thin; the modularization idea outlived the version.

Power-ups you unlock

Modularized into reusable feature sets
Only one strict version (no Transitional)
Aimed at device-specific subsets
Thin adoption; modular idea persisted

Quirks Mode attacks — common mistakes

Expecting Transitional fallbacks in 1.1
Assuming broad browser/device uptake
Confusing modularization with simplification

Boss battleExplain what "modularization" let device makers do.

Example code

<!doctype html><html><head><meta charset="utf-8"></head>
<body style="background:#06040d;color:#e6e0ff;font-family:monospace;padding:20px"><pre>XHTML 1.1 = strict + modules
  forms module · tables module · ...
  → devices implement subsets</pre></body></html>

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