Why semantic HTML still matters for modern websites

This piece for Ridents collects the advice that holds up in practice.

Frameworks come and go, but every page still ends up as HTML in the browser. Using the right element for the job, such as a real button for actions, headings in a logical order and lists for lists, gives the browser meaning it can use. Screen readers, search engines and reader modes all rely on that structure to understand what is on the page.

Frameworks come and go, but every page still ends up as HTML in the browser.

Semantic markup also saves work. A native button already responds to the keyboard, shows focus and announces itself correctly, while a clickable div needs extra code to imitate all of that. Before reaching for a custom component, check whether a standard element already does the job. Validating a page now and then catches unclosed tags and duplicated identifiers early.