HTML5 development is an ongoing effort of a consortium of many software developers and other interested industry groups to update and revise Hypertext Markup Language (HTML), which is the core language at the heart of the World Wide Web. The Web Hypertext Application Technology Working Group (WHATWG) started work on HTML5 in 2004 which is being edited by Ian Hickson of Google, Inc and David Hyatt of Apple. The HTML5 specification standard is in various draft states at at W3C (World Wide Web Consortium) which began working with the WHATWG draft of HTML5 in 2007.

As with almost any process run by a giant committee, or group of committees, HTML5 development is running behind its originally envisioned schedule for completion. While some parts of the HTML5 specification are stable and being implemented in new products, the entire HTML5 project is not expected to be complete until as late as 2022. Having an industry standard agreed upon by all participants is the goal of this complex undertaking.

HTML5 development is intended to produce a workable open source platform that can be used in browser applications throughout the internet by multiple vendors so that anyone can contribute to the development of new applications and no single vendor will have control over specific aspects of the internet. HTML5 could potentially make plug-ins like Adobe Flash, JavaFX, and Microsoft Silverlight obsolete, as the new platform is expected to incorporate streaming video capabilities into browser applications.

Despite the long term development schedule, some aspects of HTML5 are already being implemented in new Browsers. Firefox 3.5, Google Chrome, and Microsoft Internet Explorer 8 all incorporate some features of HTML5. Canvas technology, invented by Apple, is a 2-D browser based graphics feature. Canvas has been included in Opera Software’s new browser. Opera plans to implement HTML5 video capabilities in its browser soon. Apple’s Safari browser supports Canvas and also has some HTML5 video and audio features.

As an effort to produce a uniform standard for all web browser development, HTML5 has many strengths and weaknesses. The long time required for completion of the project reflects the complexity of the effort. The fact that all of the major players in the internet technology industry are involved in the project is a big plus, but it also causes some potential problems.

For example, trying to incorporate video capabilities into browsers without the need for proprietary plug-ins such as Flash or Silverlight threatens Google’s interests in YouTube, which relies on Flash technology, and Microsoft, which has a huge investment in Silverlight. Apple is heavily involved in trying to incorporate HTML5 into many of its mobile browser applications. Its Sproutcore framework is intended to speed the development of applications based entirely upon web standards without the necessity of external plug-ins.

As HTML5 continues to evolve, it will simplify development of applications that will be compatible with all web browsers. At Optimum7, we are dedicated to performance and SEO capabilities of HTML5 as well as user-friendliness. Optimum7 uses HTML in web design, Iphone and Ipad Applications, Iads and animations. Contact us if you need HTML5 Development, we can help.

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