HTML4 is the standard that has guided internet browser implementation since the beginning of the millennium. Combined with JavaScript and CSS 2, these three foundation pillars have shaped website design over the last decade.
One key failing of the HTML4, CSS and JavaScript holy trinity, has been a lack of animation and multimedia integration. Although mootools, and jquery JavaScript libraries address the animation issues to an extent, video has generally only been easily cross browser / cross platform achievable with Flash.
HTML5 is the standard to replace HTML4, however websites coded in HTML5 will only function on the latest versions of Safari, Opera or Firefox 4 and Internet explorer 9 only has partial implementation of the new standards. A bonus is that it will function in the world of mobile phones such as iPhone, Blackberry and Android based phones. Mobile websites designed and coded in HTML5, not only enjoy many of the new features but also work on different handsets.
In 2011 it is now the time to start thinking about replacing HTML4 with HTML5, which brings many extensions to the current standards including:-
- in built video and media handling
- a far more powerful set of style rules in CSS3
- the canvas object to handle drawing, and display requirements
In addition to filling the hole currently patched by Adobe Flash technology, HTML5 introduces a whole new set of design and other features in it own right including:-
- session storage
- local data storage
- SQL data storage
This combination of tools firmly establishes HTML5 as an application development platform, although even with the addition of this enormous client side toolset, a server side platform of some description (php, java or.net) will almost certainly be needed to create a complete application. Unfortunately at this point in time, there is a problem with desktop browsers as many users have old browsers and some do not comply with the latest standards. Drupal is recommended for websites designed for desktop browsers at this point in time.
Using HTML5 for Mobile Internet
Unlike desktop computers, new technology phones invariably meet standards and so HTML5 can be used in the growing world of the smartphone, examples are the iPhone (iOS), Blackberry and Android based phones. Perhaps even more importantly HTML5 is the one standard that binds these disparate technologies (e.g. the iOS and the Android OS) together. Thus mobile sites coded in HTML5, not only enjoy many of the new features, but also work on different handsets.
Cross Compiling HTML5 Applications and Phonegap.
Whilst this use of HTML5 for mobile websites is in itself exceptional, there is an even more significant advantage, with the use of compilers such as Titanium and Phonegap. Developers at adappt have created Drupal modules such as the phonegap project. Phonegap is an open source platform which allows JavaScript and HTML5 apps to be compiled into native apps; these can then be uploaded to app stores for Blackberry, Android and iPhone. It is now possible for users to upload their HTML5, CSS, and JavaScript assets to the Adobe® PhoneGap™ Build cloud service; demand for Phonegap is increasing.
Conclusion
Whilst HTML5 (unlike Drupal) may not be taking the world of web design and desktop browsing by storm, it has completely revolutionised the world of mobile app development and phonegap. Not only does HTML5 provide a very cost effective way to develop 'cross platform', but it also dramatically reduces the cost of maintaining apps in the future. Phonegap developers now find themselves in a growing market.
Post a Comment
EmoticonClick to see the code!
To insert emoticon you must added at least one space before the code.