W3C: an organisation serving the Web

by our Web Agency Optimize 360

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In the world of the web, there is an organisation that works to ensure the compatibility and quality of the various technologies linked to the Internet.

This is the World Wide Web Consortiumbetter known by its acronym W3C.

In this article, find out more about this important institution and its key role in website design.

What is W3C?

W3C is a non-profit organisation founded in 1994 by Tim Berners-Lee, the inventor of the World Wide Web. Its main role is to promote compatibility between the various web technologies (programming languages, browsers, electronic devices) to ensure that they are smooth and accessible to all.

Its operation is based on collaboration between its members, who are made up of organisations, companies and individuals representing various stakeholders in the web world.

W3C also works in close cooperation with other bodies such as theInternet Engineering Task Force (IETF) or the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).

W3C's main missions

Developing web standards

One of W3C's main missions is to establish technical standards and recommendations for the creation of web content and applications. These standards ensure interoperability between different web technologies and guarantee that the websites and applications developed are functional on all browsers and devices.

The best-known W3C standards include :

• • HTML (Hypertext Markup Language): main language for structuring the content of web pages;
  • CSS (Cascading Style Sheets): presentation language used to define the visual style of web pages;
  • JavaScript programming language that makes web pages interactive;
  • SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics): vector graphics format for representing images on the Web;
  • WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines): accessibility rules for web content to make it accessible to people with disabilities.

Promoting web accessibility

W3C attaches great importance to theaccessibilityIn other words, the ability for all people, including those with motor, visual or hearing disabilities, to use web technologies with ease.

One of its major objectives is therefore to make the web universally accessible through the introduction of accessibility guidelines and recommendations, such as the WCAG mentioned above.

These standards enable website developers and designers to create content that is easily accessible to all, thereby promoting digital inclusion.

Ensuring the quality of web sites and applications

Another major focus of W3C is to establish methods and tools to guarantee the quality of web sites and applications. It offers validation services to check that a site or application complies with W3C standards, and to point out potential errors.

These validation services, such as the Markup Validation Service for HTML or CSS Validation Service for CSS style sheets, offer invaluable help to developers in ensuring that their creations comply with the standards set by the W3C, and are therefore more likely to function correctly on all platforms and browsers.

The importance of complying with W3C standards

There are a number of advantages to complying with the standards set by W3Cbenefits :

• Compatibility A standards-compliant site will be easier to consult on different browsers and devices;
• Maintainability Compliance with standards makes it easier to maintenance and site updates;
• Accessibility By complying with accessibility rules, the site will be easier to use for people with disabilities;
• Referencing A site that complies with the standards is generally better indexed by search engines, which can improve its visibility on the Internet.

However, it is important to note that compliance with W3C standards is not an absolute requirement. not an absolute guarantee of quality for a website. It is therefore important not just to follow these standards, but also to offer relevant and attractive content, and to optimise theuser experience (UX).

Participating in W3C: who can get involved?

W3C is a genuine community open to anyone wishing to contribute to the development of the web. In addition to member organisations individual contributors can participate in the various W3C working groups and contribute their expertise in various areas such as web developmentsecurity, confidentiality and mobility.

Anyone interested in web-related issues and with technical or non-technical skills is encouraged to join this organisation to help shape the future of the web.