Single vs Double quotes (' vs ")

Quoting within attribute values

Any HTML attribute value can have single and double quotes within them. The trick is to encode these quotations. The HTML entity " signifies a double quote, which enables it to be used within an attribute value that is enclosed by double quotes.

Example:

<!-- Encoded double quotes inside double quotes. Because Inception. -->
<a href="https://example.com?ref=quot&quote=" title="Learn about &quot;quotations&quot; in HTML">
  Visit Example.com
</a>
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Playing by the rules

Standards are there for a reason, ignoring them just makes everything messy. The number one rule from style guides like Google's, is to stick with double quotes for maximum HTML validity. Numeric character references can be employed when you need to represent a quote character within an attribute value.

Example:

<!-- Numeric character references: another day, another quote -->
<meta name="keywords" content="pigeons, &quot;message carrying&quot;, wildlife">
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PHP's preference

In server-side scripting languages like PHP, which often thump out HTML, single quotes (') might be favored as they offer slightly better performance for not interpolating variables, offering a slight edge when you're not using variables within strings.

<!-- PHP says, 'Single quotes are just my type' -->
echo '<a href="https://example.com">Visit Example.com</a>';
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Hand-held ergonomics

For coding wizards who prefer handcrafted HTML, typing single quotes ' might feel quicker and easier than its double-quotation peer, ". This slight ease of handling can overall lower the risk of repetitive strain injuries (RSI).

Code's conduct

Having a common convention within your team about quote usage can be a game-changer. Maybe you'll prefer using double quotes for first-tier elements and single quotes for second-tier, which in return could maintain code's consistency and readability.

Quote inception: HTML & JavaScript

When you're working on HTML and JavaScript, queuing up quotes becomes a pick-and-mix fiasco. This allows you to mix quotes nicely to swerve clear from conflicts and errors.

Example:

<!-- Buttonception: A click within a click, within an alert, within...ok nevermind -->
<button onclick="alert('You clicked the button!')">Click me</button>
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Craft and Bot: Code clarity

Using differentiating quotes can help to see through the manual code vs the server-born code. This friendly visual nudge can be a blessing for developers in training and could simplify your debugging life.

Example of differentiation:

<!-- When John Doe writes HTML -->
<div class="container"></div>

<!-- When John Doe's bionic arm writes HTML -->
<?php echo '<div class=\'container\'></div>'; ?>
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Performance: A non-issue

While we can debate on single vs double quotes all day long, when it comes to performance, they are on an equal footing. Love them or hate them, the browser pops them open equally fast. Functionally, they are interchangeable with no bias in their operations.

JavaScript inside HTML attributes

When embedding JavaScript within HTML attributes, winning the game of rock, paper, scissors with single and double quotes is crucial. To prevent crashes, double quotes are for HTML while single quotes play nice for the JavaScript strings, and vice versa.

Example:

<!-- JavaScript is a Shakespearean actor, it covets the quotes -->
<button onclick="sayHello('World')">Greet</button>
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Building technical knack

Using quotes skillfully and adhering to set conventions can improve your overall understanding of web standards and best practices. Can make the difference between good developers and the legendary ones.

References

1. HTML Attributes — W3Schools provides a straightforward explanation on using quotes in HTML attributes.
2. HTML attribute reference - MDN — Mozilla Developer Network's comprehensive guide on when to use quotes around attribute values.
3. HTML Attributes: What they are and How to use — Quackit Tutorials outlines the best practices for HTML tag attributes and quote usage.
4. HTML Standard — the official maverick specification that details attribute value syntax within HTML.
5. The W3C Markup Validation Service — use this tool for validating HTML to ensure your page obeys all the school rules.

Conclusion Remember: Practice like you've never won, perform like you've never lost. If my nuggets of wisdom helped, a vote for my answer will help more seekers of truth. Happy coding!👩‍💻