The ``++<strong>++``/``++<b>++`` and ``++<em>++``/``++<i>++`` tags have exactly the same effect in most web browsers, but there is a fundamental difference between them: ``++<strong>++`` and ``++<em>++`` have a semantic meaning whereas ``++<b>++`` and ``++<i>++`` only convey styling information like CSS.  


While ``++<b>++`` can have simply no effect on a some devices with limited display or when a screen reader software is used by a blind person, ``++<strong>++`` will:


* Display the text bold in normal browsers
* Speak with lower tone when using a screen reader such as Jaws

Consequently:

* in order to convey semantics, the ``++<b>++`` and ``++<i>++`` tags shall never be used,
* in order to convey styling information, the ``++<b>++`` and ``++<i>++`` should be avoided and CSS should be used instead.


== Noncompliant Code Example

----
<i>car</i>             <!-- Noncompliant -->
<b>train</b>         <!-- Noncompliant -->         
----


== Compliant Solution

----
<em>car</em>
<strong>train</strong>
----


== Exceptions

This rule is relaxed in case of https://www.w3.org/WAI/GL/wiki/Using_aria-hidden%3Dtrue_on_an_icon_font_that_AT_should_ignore[icon fonts] usage.

----
<i class="..." aria-hidden="true" />    <!-- Compliant icon fonts usage -->
----



ifdef::env-github,rspecator-view[]
'''
== Comments And Links
(visible only on this page)

include::comments-and-links.adoc[]
endif::env-github,rspecator-view[]
