Posted on by Bhavna Mittal

HTML5 can be considered a technology that has completely transformed the world wide web. There are so many amazing features that are important for web designers and web users in general. Despite this, many are unfamiliar with what HTML5 is, what it does and why it is so important. Below are common questions that give you a full run down on HTML5.

What is HTML5?

The acronym HTML stands for Hypertext Markup Language and it is the one of the many codes that is behind all web pages. It can be broken down into HTML, which is responsible for structure, Cascading Style Sheets (CCS) which deals with presentation and JavaScript which is responsible for functionality.

HTML5 is the latest version of this programming language and it allows for the easy modification and structure of the appearance of web pages and their content. Essentially it provides web users with an overall better, faster, and more consistent desktop and mobile browser experience.

It is now being used all over the world and there are currently skills shortages for HTML5 software development services in place like South East Asia, Africa, and South America that opt to use cost effective businesses in these regions such as nexsource.net which is a pioneering firm in Asia combining HTML5 and JavaScript tech for software development such as CRM, quoting systems, and custom mobile development.

Why is HTML5 so great?

HTML5 is a free software that encompasses everything you’d need for a smooth browsing experience. It makes the need for any additional software such as browser plugins almost completely obsolete.

HTML5 deals with all applications, music, movies and animations that run in your browser. Another great feature of HTML5 is that it can run on any compatible browser whether it be on a mobile, desktop, tablet or television device.

What are HTML5 functions?

HTML5 is an enhanced version of its predecessors with notable changes and improvements. HTML5 has numerous functions as set out below:

  • It is accessible – users can create accessible sites with easy-to-use semantic tags
  • Code is cleaner – HTML5 code is simple and easy to read and allows users to write clear and descriptive code
  • Store large files of information and data – users can store files across multiple windows
  • Handle high quality graphics and high-definition video – HTML5 tags such as <video> and <audio> makes videos and audio easily accessible and of expectational quality
  • It can be used to write offline web applications – HTML5 allows users to load certain elements on a web page without an active internet connection
  • You can develop games – HTML5 provides a great and easy way for developers to create fun and interactive games for mobile or web users
  • Mobile friendly – HTML5 allows users to create mobile friendly websites and applications
  • Geo-location – HTML5 can use detect latitude and longitude coordinates by using a devices GPS and IP address
  • SEO friendly – HTML5 features various attributes which allow web developers and digital marketers to use better search optimization techniques to drive more organic search traffic   
  • Cross-browser capabilities – HTML5 works with many modern browsers
  • Doctype – arguable the most important feature, the <!DOCTYPE> declaration instructs the web browser which version of HTML the page is written in. It essentially allows developers to do more with less messy code

All internet users greatly benefit from HTML5 provided their browser supports HTML features.

Is HTML5 finished and will there be a new version?

All HTML5 updates and specifications are dealt with by the World Wide Web Consortium and the Web Hypertext Application Technology Working Group. HTML5 is constantly evolving with revisions and improvements being made by its developers. This is because web development and language are advancing over time, sparking the need for updates. It is therefore hard to put an end date on the completion of HTML5.

However, what is important to mention is HTML5 current features such as video and graphics, web apps and geolocation which are modern and supported in most browsers. At present, it is hard to imagine now how it could get much better than HTML5.

Do I need to have a specific browser to use HTML5?

Most major browsers support HTML5. Big name web browsers include Internet Explorer, Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Edge, Opera, Mobile Safari and Android’s browser. However, there is a difference in how each browser supports HTML5 features.

It was found that Firefox, Chrome and Safari support the biggest selection of HTML5 features. Nonetheless, most browsers support enough features to provide a great web experience.

What video formats does HTML5 support?

This is perhaps the most contentious feature of HTML5 with different browsers supporting differently HTML5 video formats. Below are the three main video formats supported by HTML5:

  • H:264 (supported by all browsers except Firefox)
  • Ogg Theora (supported by all browsers except Internet Explorer)
  • VP8/WebM (supported by all browsers)

Can HTML5 be used as a substitute for Flash and Silverlight?

Absolutely! In a lot of ways HTML5 has completely taken over from Flash and Silverlight. Many websites that host videos offer HTML5 video instead of Flash and iOS devices don’t run Flash at all.

The only problem with HTML5 is that there is no digital rights management (DRM) technology to prevent video copying. It is understandable that many content creators and owners would prefer DRM-friendly video formats such as Flash or Silverlight. For this reason, amongst others, it is clear that software like Flash is not going anywhere in a hurry.

What do I need to create a HTML5 website?

You can use HTML5 code to create a website or use handy tools such as Abode’s Dreamweaver which have in-built HTML5 packs. Abode is also launching. Edge which is a HTML5 animation tool that makes it easy to create amazing animations and graphics.

You can see more about the 4 Most Used Application Templates by App Developers here.

Can I see HTML5 demos?

There are some great sources to view HTML5 demonstrations, here are some examples:

As a web designer or even just a web user it is useful to understand HTML5, how it works and its relevance. HTML5 will allow users to do almost anything they want without the need to download extra software. Using most browsers on any modern device people can enjoy amazing graphics, high-definition videos and beautifully designed websites all thanks to HTML5.