How to make this xhtml validate

[deb0and]

For some reason i cant seem to get this bit of code to validate and its really annoying me because i cant see a problem with it.

Maybe i need a fresh pair of eyes looking at it.

Here is is below

 

<textarea rows="3" cols="60"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.caravanineurope.co.uk">Caravan sites</a> A detailed description of caravan sites in Europe.</textarea>

 

This is what the validator says if it helps

 

Line 321, Column 39: there is no attribute "target".

<textarea rows="3" cols="60"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.caravanineurope✉

 

Line 321, Column 87: document type does not allow element "a" here.

…ef="http://www.caravanineurope.co.uk">Caravan sites</a> A detailed descriptio

 

thanks for all your help

 

[PHP Monkeh]

Well the link would never show within a textarea, that's why you're getting validation errors.  the target="_blank" is no longer XHTML valid either, think about using onclick and calling Javascript, or maybe someone else knows a way

[haku]

The only way it can be done keeping code valid is through javascript. That being said, the 'target' attribute was deprecated for a reason. It takes control out of the hands of the user, which goes against the policy if making the internet a usable place. Users should be able to decide if they want to open a new tab or window or what not. If they do, then they will. And if they don't they wont. If a user wants to return to the site they can use their back button.

 

Its kind of a hard concept to grasp for people who are used to using the target attribute - I had a hard time with it when I first found out. But over time I have come to not only understand the reasoning behind it, but also fully agree with it, and I get really annoyed now when I go to sites that open new tabs and windows without my asking for it.

[fenway]

There are other reasons for using target other than "_blank".