Most sites today are based on good ole HTML4. Released over 12 years ago in 1999, it had become a steadfast website tool, with only minor changes. HTLM5 came into the picture in 2001, and we were all warned not to get out hopes high. The release date was previously set 2022, and who thinks that far? But it seems Christmas came 8 years early for web developers, with the launch date being pushed so significantly!
HTML5 and CSS3 have combined together to recode how the online design world works. They not only feature new techniques, and an easier, more intuitive and manageable code but they give the designers the chance to create the sort of features that would have previously required either flash, javascript or at least some pretty hardcore designing.
Here’s a site that I came across, that uses the HTLM5 and CSS3 combination to function:
http://agent8ball.com/
It’s a snooker table! A wonderful looking site with great graphics, loads up quickly, and a delight to use. Another great example is:
http://lab.4muladesign.com/dribbble/
Featuring an HTML5 interactive Infographic. The site is responsive, and smooth, with a great look and feel.
These sites depict what the internet is going to look like soon. With the parameters of web design altered so dramatically with the introduction of HTML5, it’s become a whole new ball game, with (arguably) a level of complexity removed and a layer of freedom of creativity added.
Another troubling matter that HTML5 has resolved is the ongoing battle with flash applications. Anyone who has ever owned and used an iPhone, or any other device running on the iOS platform will know of all the trouble a simple flash application can cook up, those apps simply refused to cooperate! An alternate flash player was in order. HTML5 and CSS3 together, not only put developers out of their misery, they also made app development for mobile phones much similar. This again, removes complexity, and adds to creative license.
Usually the transaction from one platform to another calls for learning a new system from scratch. One of the best things about HTML5 is that it is based on, and builds upon HTML4. Taking code from HTML4-based pages and integrating it into HTML5 is simple and easy. Also, there are quite a few HTML4 attributes that are also accessible in HTLM5, they’ve simple been adjusted to make the upgrade more user-friendly.
All in all, the HTML5 and CSS3 combination is god sent. Its scope is yet to be determined, as for now, its opening up avenues left and right!
