HTML5, the future of the dub-dub-dub

Jim McKendree - 7.2.2010 3:15 PM

The web is rapidly evolving at a pace that most can't keep up with, or even know about. New and exciting innovations are being created every day, pushing the boundaries of what we know in every possible way. HTML (Hyper Text Markup Language) is the core language of the web and HTML5 is the fifth revision since it was developed in the early 90s. HTML5 will attempt to solve known issues in previous versions of HTML and will try to address new web applications, something that has not been appropriately covered in the past.

HTML4 has been in use for over 10 years now. Since then, developers have been looking for and writing new techniques to deliver content and media in a more effective and interactive manner. The two major roadblocks have been language and of course web browsers. The percentages of browser usage continue to go in the favor of developers and in turn it's better for users. Currently, Google Chrome and Apple's Safari browsers have the most support for HTML5 with Mozilla Firefox and others following suit. As of May 2010, Mozilla Firefox holds the greatest market share at 46.9%, with IE8 at 16%, Chrome at 14.5%, IE7 at 9.1% and IE6 still holding on at 7.1%. Opera and Safari together are at 5.7%.

Attention: If you are using IE6 or IE7, please update to IE8, and definitely keep track of the progress on IE9 as it should be fully compatible with HTML5.

Web Browsers

To successfully use HTML5, the environment where it is being used must be controlled. In other words, HTML5 cannot be used fully until all browsers and devices support it 100%. There is not currently a tremendous amount of support for HTML5 with the exception of Webkit. Webkit is a layout rendering engine that allows browsers to render web content. With Webkit fully supporting and leading the way for HTML5, web development can successfully be done on any device or browser using that rendering engine. Current browsers using the Webkit rendering engine are Safari and Chrome, although all the major browser vendors are aiding in the HTML5 effort.

To test how well your current browser supports HTML5, visit the HTML5 Test and find out!

How will HTML5 benefit me?

Sweet, this is great for the people designing and building websites, what about me? HTML5 will be loaded with cool new tags and features that developers will use to deliver richer content to the user more quickly. In the pursuit to create more interactive and exciting websites and applications, developers will be able to tap new features including new APIs, multimedia, structure and semantics to enrich all of our web experiences. One of the most significant additions being the audio and video embedding capabilities. Additionally, animation, video and audio presentation, previously only executable with plugin players and various software will now be able to be presented in HTML with the help of CSS3 and Javascript. You won't need to download the latest player to watch or listen to something, or have the latest fiber optic connection to experience it quickly. This is great for everyone building, optimizing and using websites alike. There will be quicker load times, less cumbersome imagery/files, less reliance on downloadable plugins and many more opportunities to market your product or service.

We live in exciting times so get ready view web content like its never been seen before. Stay tuned for updates and please, keep your browsers updated!

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