I hope I can post this.
I understand the the purpose of the title and alt attributes, but I just do not understand the best use for them or if I can use the same title/alt more than once.
For Example a website about dogs:
From my understanding all img tags need an alt tag:
<img src="Husky.png" alt="Husky" />
<img src="Rottweiler.png" alt="Rottweiler" />
Is it good practice to use the same alt tag for multiple pictures on the same subject
<img src="Husky2.png" alt="Husky" />
<img src="Husky3.png" alt="Husky" />
<img src="Husky4.png" alt="Husky" />
Is it good practice to use a title/alt tag in every tag? What about using the same tag more than a few times?
Example:
<ol title="This Dog">
<li title="This Dog"> Dogs </li>
<li title="This Dog"> Dogs </li>
<li title="This Dog"> Dogs </li>
<li title="This Dog"> Dogs </li>
<li title="This Dog"> Dogs </li>
</ol>
<div id="body">
<p title="This Dog"> </p>
<p title="This Dog"> </p>
<p title="This Dog"> </p>
<p title="This Dog"> </p>
</div>
My understanding is that the title tag acts as a tool tip/hover over information type of thing in newer browsers and the alt tags use to do the same back in the older browsers. They also serve as a method for search engines to recognize your website.
I hope I made sense in my questions.
My understanding is that the title tag acts as a tool tip/hover over information type of thing in newer browsers and the alt tags use to do the same back in the older browsers.
No, the title
and alt
attributes have a different meaning/purpose (not old method vs. new method).
The title
attribute is a global attribute, which means that you can use it on all elements. In general (note that one some elements (e.g. the abbr
element) it has a special meaning) it is defined as:
The
title
attribute represents advisory information for the element […]
You should read the definition of the attribute, it explains how it should (not) be used.
The alt
attribute can only be used on the area
, input
(for image buttons) and img
element. For img
, it has this meaning:
the value of the
alt
attribute is theimg
element’s fallback content, and provides equivalent content for users and user agents who cannot process images or have image loading disabled.
There are many rules how you should (not) use this attribute.
So, the alt
attribute is an alternative to the image: EITHER you see the image OR you read the alternative text. The alt
value should not be given/presented as an addition to the image.
The title
attribute gives additional information, that would be provided to both (the users that see the image and the users that read the alternative text). However, you shouldn't use the title
attribute as the only means for information of importance, because …
title
value (in the default settings)