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Semantic HTML vs Generic Markup

How meaningful HTML tags compare to generic div/span markup for AI comprehension and accessibility.

Semantic HTML

Using meaningful HTML5 elements like <article>, <nav>, <header>, <main> to describe content structure.

Advantages

  • AI systems understand structure better
  • Improved accessibility
  • Better SEO signals
  • Cleaner, more readable code

Considerations

  • Requires learning proper usage
  • May need refactoring legacy code
  • Slight learning curve
  • Browser support (mostly resolved)

Generic Markup

Using div and span tags for all layout and content, relying on classes for meaning.

Advantages

  • Familiar to all developers
  • Maximum flexibility
  • No semantic mistakes possible
  • Works everywhere

Considerations

  • AI can't infer structure
  • Poor accessibility
  • Weaker SEO signals
  • Harder to maintain

Our Verdict

Always use semantic HTML. It improves AI comprehension, accessibility, and SEO with minimal effort. There's no good reason to use generic markup in 2026.

Where This Applies

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