CLUVIS - HTML5 is ALIVE!

A wave of excitement is sweeping across the technology world on the heels of the release of HTML5, the fifth revision of the HTML standard to date. 

HTML, or Hypertext Markup Language, is one of the main systems used by the web for constructing and presenting web pages and other content to be displayed through a web browser. This popular markup language is written in the form of HTML elements, which are the individual components of an HTML document. These elements represent semantics, or meaning, and form the building blocks of all websites displayed throughout the Internet. HTML enables one to create a structurally sound document by applying structural meanings for text such as headings, paragraphs, and links, while also allowing images and objects to be embedded into a document.

HTML5, as previously mentioned, is the latest revision of the HTML standard. It is an attempt to define a single markup language that can be written in either HTML or XHTML, and specifies how the core language of the web should be formatted and utilized to deliver the highest quality of content to your web browser.

One of the exciting features of HTML5 is the streamlined process of embedding audio and video content into a webpage. Programmers now have access to native streaming audio and video support without the use of plug-ins such as Flash or QuickTime. Available also are enhanced video control capabilities for play, pause and loading, as well as duration, volume, and seeking. Another syntactic feature included in HTML5 is the canvas element, which allows for dynamic and scriptable rendering of 2D shapes and bitmap images.

HTML5 also allows for offline or “client-side” storage of web pages and applications. Browsers will be able to cache previously searched web pages and store them locally for future use, creating a sort of “super cookie” that can store both one-time data and persistent databases such as email. This will boost the browsing experience and make it possible to access previously stored web pages and applications without being connected to the Internet. For example, imagine an online game.  The initial HTML document, along with the Javascript, CSS, and icons and images used to create the game, would be retained to make the site load immediately at the user’s next visit. The offline storage component would allow the user to continue playing from where they previously left off during the former gaming session if they wish.

Geolocation is an HTML5 component that can be used to know exactly where the user entering the site is located. This can be very useful in creating a more personalized experience when browsing the web, tailoring thing such as search results and tags for social network posts to your location.

Websites that use HTML5 will have better support across modern desktop and mobile browsers. All of the latest major desktop browsers support HTML5 features in some fashion, although they do not all support it equally.  The leading tablets and smart phones support HTML5 as well.  The goal is to create a standard consistent web experience across all devices and browsers. 

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