What are the differences between ARIA and HTML5 roles?

What are the differences between ARIA and HTML5 roles?

ARIA (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) roles are used to enhance accessibility for dynamic content, while HTML5 roles are built-in semantic elements that provide meaning to the structure of a webpage. ARIA roles can be added to any HTML element, whereas HTML5 roles are predefined.

Can you give examples of both ARIA and HTML5 roles?

Sure! An example of an HTML5 role is <header>, which defines a header for a document or section. An ARIA role example is role='alert', which indicates that an element contains an important message.

When should I use ARIA roles instead of HTML5 roles?

You should use ARIA roles when you need to enhance accessibility for custom widgets or dynamic content that doesn't have a native HTML5 equivalent. However, prefer HTML5 roles when they are available, as they are more widely supported and understood by browsers.

Are there any best practices for using ARIA roles?

Yes, some best practices include using ARIA roles only when necessary, ensuring they enhance accessibility, and testing with screen readers to confirm they work as intended.