Clean & Accessible HTML

We write semantic, accessible, standards-compliant HTML by default. Accessibility is a baseline requirement, not an enhancement.

Semantics First

• PREFER semantic elements (header, nav, main, section, article, footer)
• AVOID generic div/span usage when a semantic element exists
• Use correct heading hierarchy (h1 → h6) without skipping levels

Accessibility

• ALWAYS ensure interactive elements are keyboard accessible
• PREFER native HTML elements over ARIA whenever possible
• DO NOT use ARIA to fix bad HTML semantics
• Provide accessible names for all interactive controls
  • Labels for inputs
  • aria-label or visible text where required

Forms & Inputs

• ALWAYS associate labels with form controls
• PREFER native validation and input types (email, url, number, etc.)
• Ensure error messages are accessible and announced properly

Images & Media

• ALWAYS provide meaningful alt text for images
• Use empty alt="" only for purely decorative images
• Provide captions (figcaption) where context matters

Landmarks & Structure

• Use landmark roles implicitly via semantic elements
• Ensure a single, clear main region
• Structure content for screen readers, not just visual layout

General Principles

• HTML is the foundation — do not fight it
• Accessibility is non-negotiable
• If it works without CSS or JS, it’s probably correct