HTML 5 - What It Means

21 Sep 2010

Ther has been a lot of talk of HTML 5 and it's rollout. Hailed as the next big thing of website development, and as the thing which will finally open up web code to the masses, but what does it really mean for the average internet user, and non-techie website owner?

 

What we have now - why it is flawed

What we have today is really a poor mix-match of several code languages, which are all stapled together to create stunning visual effects, often with dire effects for search engine optimisation and usability / accessibility. All developers, and designers are guilty of creating, either in concept, or construction, some rotten code to get something which looks good on screen. The fact of the matter is that old HTML versions, XHTML and ASPX / PHP hacks are all outdated, and JS is being forced to do things to compensate, which would make even the most intelligent of non-web scientists quake. This works for a while, but as things move forward, or new browser versions are released - code and features begin to fail.

 

Why HTML 5 is better - for all involved

Wikipedia says it best "The new standard incorporates features like video playback and drag-and-drop that have been previously dependent on third-party browser plug-ins such as Adobe Flash and Microsoft Silverlight." in short - HTML 5 cuts out a lot of stuff that has had to be nailed on to web pages to make things work, and makes them standard instead. In turn, this means browsers should all adopt the HTML 5 standards to mean pages will look similar / the same on all browsers as attributes and plugins are the same for everyone, everywhere. The use of easy video embedding, canvas style editing and drag and drop facilities are intended to increase capabilities with Web 2.0 type features - this is the "every-persons" editing element to HTML 5 - although it may take some real time to catch on!

 

What HTML 5 means to website users and website owners?

Website users can expect a more feature rich website browsing and interaction experience in the future with HTML 5 designed websites. Loading times will also be much lower as much used (and loved) plugins will be integrated as standard. The internet will become a lot more exciting under HTML 5, and expect a few new innovative start-ups!

Website owners all current websites should continue to work, as per expected lifespan. HTML 5 is suitable to "mix" with current web technologies (in a limited) capacity, prior to a full rollout of a new HTML 5 enabled system. Smith and Wise will immediately use HTML 5 upon mass adoption of the markup, expected in 2011.

 

Byron Smith Agency Director, Smith and Wise

 

If you have any questions, please do contact our team at [email protected] or by phone on 00 353 (0)86 1780 743

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