# Using End Tags

Except where noted in the syntax, CFML tags do not require an end tag. However, all CFML tags (except CFELSE and CFELSEIF) can accept an optional end tag, as follows:

- Shorthand -- You can use shorthand notation to include the end tag with the base tag. For example:

      <CFABORT/>

- Explicit specification -- You can specify an end tag explicitly. However, there can be no white space between the start and end tags. For example:

      <CFABORT></CFABORT>
      <!--- The following will produce a validation error
      <CFABORT>
      </CFABORT> --->

You do not typically code optional end tags.