html - Is this a placeholder link or not? -
html5 specifies <a> elements without href "placeholder links". decent explanation of placeholder link use-cases here. contentious discussion during definition of html5 spec here. there precise definition of or isn't placeholder link.
anyway, we're trying figure out whether text not clickable should placeholder link (using <a>) or regular <span>.
we have web app list this:
- 12/10/2014 invoice #123
- 12/18/2014 invoice #456
- 01/19/2014 no invoice
- 01/19/2014 multiple invoices
the first 2 items in list hyperlinks valid urls. latter 2 not clickable. first because there's no invoice. second in theory have been clickable, it's rare use-case our team chose not write code support, show static text instead of making link.
because of way list populated in code, technically simpler make these <a> elements , omit href attribute latter two. correct thing do?
you're use case doesn't match. intent of placeholder links serve placeholder link might be. example, move link link, links current page might become placeholder. items you're showing have no notion of linking @ all, seems semantic abuse of anchor tag.
also, wouldn't mess unclear specs unless you're in world of pain, if ever need support legacy. browsers notoriously evil.