What is HTML5?
We're sure by
now you've heard the term "HTML5" thrown around by the likes of Apple and Google. This is the next
evolution of HTML, or Hyper Text Markup Language, which forms the backbone of
almost every site on the Internet. HTML4, the last major iteration of the
language, debuted in 1997 and has been subsequently poked and prodded so that
it can handle the demands of the modern Web.
The HTML5
language has specific rules that allow placement and format of text, graphics,
video and audio on a Web page. Programmers use these programming tags or
elements to produce web pages in unique and creative ways.
In the programming
world, it can be difficult to figure out what new techologies to adopt and
which ones you should wait on and see how they do. Fortunately
with HTML5 the guess work is taken out. HTML5 is being backed
by both Apple and Google, two of the largest, most influential companies in the
IT industry. If they say it is important and are backing their development with
this technology, it means there will be a big adoption wave - which is really
important in emerging technologies.
HTML5 features in the limelight
The
HTML project working group has released several feature specs till now. Some of
key ones are
1. Video elements: Designers can now
build web pages without having to resort to third-party proprietary plug-in
software like Flash. YouTube is experimenting with using HTML 5 to
display video. Built in video controls makes the feature more attractive and
easy to use.
2. Application cache: On the lines of
Outlook but minus the email client requirement, you can now store web apps much
like emails locally. Google has already made use of this feature replacing its
Google Gears mail client with HTML 5. Google Wave also usesHTML 5
3. Canvas for Images: The canvas element
that comes with HTML 5 lets you manipulate graphics and photos enabling easy
rendering of images. Designers no longer need to use intermediate technologies
like jQuery. This will help save development time and effort.
4. Geolocation: The HTML5
Geolocation feature enables
location identification using various geo location technologies GPS (Global
Positioning system), IP address, RFID (Radio frequency ID), Wi-Fi , Bluetooth
MAC address and GSM/CDMA cell IDs. The system is bound by privacy regulations
and needs to be authorized by individuals before it can be utilized.
5. Web workers: This feature enables a web application to execute complex
tasks independently without interfering with the performance of a webpage in
real-time.
The Benefits of HTML5
- It
makes the web faster: developers are able to use HTML5 to reduce file
sizes and guarantee a cleaner user experience.
- HTML5
has “Canvas”: a powerful tool for creating graphic content. With Canvas,
it becomes easier to create animations, drawings and other complex visuals
without using external apps.
- More
and more internet browsers are supporting HTML5. Want to check how
compatible is your browser with HTML5? Go to this
site and
find out. If not, better update your browser version!
- One
of the hypes surrounding HTML5 is its video capabilities. Developers can
integrate video with HTML5 without having to use any plugins. As more and
more browsers are becoming compatible HTML5, the percentage of HTML5
videos available online is rapidly increasing.
- Same
goes for sound. HTML5 comes with a powerful support tool for audio
elements.
- HTML5
is available on a multitude of platforms and performs great on PC’s,
mobile phones and tablets.
What the future holds?
Most
of the top browsers are including the new HTML5 specs in their development
plans. Firefox, Opera, Safari and Internet Explorer (IE8) have shown
receptivity to most of the changes though the process is expected to take time.
