The main difference between HTML and older versions of HTML5 is the integration of video and audio into language features. In addition, HTML5 includes the following updates:
- Deprecated elements like center, font, and strike have been dropped
- Improved parsing rules allow for more flexible parsing and compatibility
- New elements including video, time, nav, section, progress, meter, aside and canvas
- New input attributes including email, URL, dates and times
- New attributes including charset, async and ping
- New APIs that offer offline caching, drag-and-drop support and more
- Support for vector graphics without the aid of programs like Silverlight or Flash
- Support for MathML to allow better display of mathematical notations
- JavaScript can now run in the background thanks to the JS Web worker API
- Global attributes such as tabindex, repeat and id can be can be applied for all elements
What are the advantages of HTML5 for users?
- Some data can be stored on the user’s device, which means apps can continue working properly without an Internet connection.
- Web pages can display more fonts with a wider array of colors, shadows, and other effects.
- Objects on the page can move in response to the user’s cursor movements.
- Interactive media, such as games, can run in web browsers without the need for extra software or plugins. Audio and video playback also no longer require additional plugins.
- Browsers can display interactive 3D graphics using the computer’s own graphics processor.
By limiting the need for external plugins, HTML5 allows for faster delivery of more dynamic content.
What are the advantages of HTML5 for developers?
A major focus of HTML5 was to give developers more flexibility, which in turn would lead to more engaging user experiences. HTML5 was conceived with several goals in mind:
- Consistent error handling
- Support for more web application features
- Enhanced element semantics
- Maximized mobile support
- Support for custom data attributes
- No more cookies thanks to local storage
- Form field autofocus
- Script and link tags no longer require type attribute
Future of HTML
Next-generation developers will undoubtedly discover new ways to take advantage of HTML5, and social media is likely to drive the continued evolution of the language. The W3C has announced that future HTML5 updates will prioritize basic “application basics” such as privacy tools. Because HTML5’s primary focus defines a number of trusted interoperable features, interoperable features are saved for HTML 5.1. One of the most controversial proposals was the inclusion of digital rights management tools.
Starting in 2016, working web developers may still have extensive knowledge of legacy HTML features; However, anyone who wants to pursue a career in web development does the wrong thing by not adopting HTML5. Native support for video and audio only makes HTML5 a major improvement over 4.1.