[wp-trac] [WordPress Trac] #26504: Semantic elements for non-link links

[WordPress Trac]

#26504: Semantic elements for non-link links
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 Reporter:  GaryJ                    |       Owner:  joedolson
     Type:  task (blessed)           |      Status:  accepted
 Priority:  normal                   |   Milestone:  6.8
Component:  Administration           |     Version:  3.8
 Severity:  normal                   |  Resolution:
 Keywords:  semantic-buttons a11y-   |     Focuses:  ui, accessibility,
  task needs-patch                   |  javascript
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Comment (by afercia):

 @joedolson thanks for the ping.

 > Shifting all links that behave as buttons to actually be buttons would
 make the most common user interface significantly more consistent and
 stable

 I'd agree it would make the user interface way more consistent and
 accessible. On the other hand, I'm an old-school guy and I still think
 that the base web technologies should be used for what they have been
 designed for:
 - HTML for content + get / post requests to fetch and submit data.
 - CSS for presentation.
 - JavaScript for enhanced behaviors.

 However, today (it's 2024) that seems like philosophy. Whether we like it
 or not, today many large web applications don't work without JavaScript.

 Ten years ago, supporting the no-js scenario was a strong focus in
 WordPress. As far as I can tell, the main concern was supporting
 environments where intranet administrators used to disable  browsers
 support for JavaScript because of security policies. Typically: some
 private companies and public bodies. The five lead developers @helen,
 @dd32, @markjaquith, @nacin, @azaozz may know more and may want to bring
 in some more feedback if they're still around and willing to do so.

 Personally, I think this is more a product management issue and likely
 warrants a post on Make for a broader discussion.

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Ticket URL: <https://core.trac.wordpress.org/ticket/26504#comment:63>
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