Wednesday, December 28, 2011

How HTML5 is replacing Flash

By Gary Klingsheim


There are a number of different languages that a decent website can be made from. From the more complicated JavaScript and Flash, to cascading style sheets and CSS, all the way to the basic HTML (HyperText Markup Language), those who aren't as familiar with the working of their computers can easily be confused. Sure, there are programs like Dreamweaver to help out the website designer, but the learning curve can be a bit steep without professional help, or delving deep into a book. Besides that, you have to decide which language you'd prefer to use, and who you want accessing your site the easiest. Different web browsers render code in a variety of ways, and what works in one might not work in another. IE7 likes to render things different from IE8, and this might not look near as nice as it would in Firefox or Google Chrome. Website designers have typically used plug-ins that show a browser how to display a page, or used hacks that override a browser's usual rendering. But this takes extra time to create one for each browser out there, and can poise all sorts of problems when developing a website that needs to be consistently updated by a user that isn't familiar with these issues.

Enter HTML5. This new trend in website design could make all the website language hacks and plug-ins a thing of the past. If nothing else, fewer of these pesky things will need to be kept in mind. Whereas Flash was the main player in interactivity, HTML5 is prepared to take on that role and create a new age of website design. Since Flash is run by Adobe, developers have had issues in developing applications and websites the way they want. HTML5 differs in that it is a more open technology, a combination of many technologies that can be used together for different functionalities. Since Apple has discontinued allowing Flash on their mobile devices, and instead supports HTML5, it is only a matter of time before Flash is phased out and HTML5 takes its place. Since HTML5 isn't controlled by a single group, it has been used to bypass some of the stringent requirements for apps that Apple uses, and may help websites better deal with E-Commerce than former versions of HTML have allowed.

Unlike earlier versions of website design, HTML5 is designed to let older browsers ignore content it can't read, thereby eliminating pesky sections that refuse to show or leave dead space on the screen. A new bonus is that this trend may also allow designers to set their websites to automatically adjust their websites to fit on any screen. So whether you're using a desktop computer, a laptop, smart phone, or tablet, these websites will still look good and function well. It is because of this move away from personal computers that Windows 8 may show strong support of HTML5, since Windows 8 has been tailored towards the tablet. Because of all the push towards a standardized, accessible language, HTML5 is currently expected to be approved by W3C, which sets the standard for web developers to ensure their designs will get the best access across browsers that is possible.

Another reason there's such a big push towards this new markup language is the speed at which HTML5 works. Websites using this language will generally run faster because the information is processed in the background. With a faster loading time, you can continue to browse through the site while waiting for a video to load, rather than being stuck in one spot. Internet connection and the browser still play a factor in the speed of loading, but HTML5 offers extra speed you might not otherwise have. Since it also allows developers to embed media, such as videos, directly into the website, external plug-ins aren't necessary. With this feature, many media based websites and applications may be wider accessed. It also has cache-web applications, which enable a user to check their favorite websites offline, even going so far as to watch certain music videos.

Overall, the upcoming trend towards using HTML5 has a promising future, and will likely be used by web and application developers across the spectrum. It's more accessible, has wider browser readability, and overall creates a more open option. Because of its flexibility, HTML5 allows for many, many designs, and is poised to be the replacement for Flash as Adobe phases out the older tool. While it will take some learning, those who aren't tech savvy won't likely notice a difference-- if only because HTML5 should run smoother, especially as it grows into a fully used markup language.




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