microformats

Microformats are a set of open data formats that let you add structured information to web pages using standard HTML classes. They are designed for content creators and developers who want to make their site's data—like contact details, events, or articles—machine-readable without complex schemas or additional tools.

• Simple HTML-based markup: Uses existing HTML attributes like class and rel to annotate content. No need for extra libraries or custom data formats.
• Human-readable first: The markup does not change how content appears to visitors. It adds structure behind the scenes, keeping the page clean and accessible.
• Widely supported: Parsers exist for PHP, Python, Ruby, JavaScript, and other languages. Online tools let you test markup without writing code.
• Backward compatible: Microformats 2 parsers can also handle older microformats 1 markup, making it easier to adopt incrementally.
• Active community and documentation: The microformats.org site provides specifications, examples, and a wiki with real-world use cases. Community-maintained parsers and test suites help ensure consistent behavior.

Microformats are used by personal sites, indieweb projects, and some search engines to extract structured data. They are a lightweight alternative to heavier metadata formats, focusing on simplicity and interoperability.