The Question I’m getting: Is it time start using HTML5?
The Answer I’m giving: It depends.
(and that answer doesn’t get a lot of applause)
HTML5 is the next (proposed) version of the underlying language of the web, bringing with it some great features like plug-in-less video and audio, a pixel-based drawing and animating canvas, local storage of data, and additional semantic tags that more accurately reflect the kind of content web developers create on a daily basis.
HTML5 will (along with the improvements in Javascript, Javascript libraries, CSS3 and SVG) allow web developers to create powerful online web applications in addition to more capable web pages.
HTML5 is coming to a browser near you soon. As a matter of fact, depending on which browser you’re using, you may already have an almost full complement of HTML5 capabilities. And there’s the rub: standards-based web development requires that our content accommodate the least capable of browsers – we don’t lock people out from our content because of their choice of browsers. Which means we generally don’t use a new web technology until all common browsers can use it.
So if you’re asking “should I start coding all my sites in HTML5 today?” – the answer is “of course not.”
If you’re asking “can I start enhancing my sites with strategically-used parts of HTML5 using progressive enhancement techniques that allow modern browsers to enjoy the full experience while still providing essential information to everyone?” – then I say go for it, there are wonderful things to be built with this new technology.
For a great overview of what parts of HTML5 are currently supported by each major browser go to http://a.deveria.com/caniuse/
– Displays artwork in a standard window with all visible grids and guides showing, non-printing objects showing, and a white pasteboard.
- Displays artwork as if it were output, with all non-printing elements suppressed (grids, guides, non-printing objects), and the pasteboard set to the preview background color defined in Preferences.
– Displays artwork as if it were output, with all non-printing elements suppressed (grids, guides, non-printing objects), the pasteboard set to the preview background color defined in Preferences, and any printing elements within the document’s bleed area (defined in Document Setup) showing.
– Displays artwork as if it were output, with all non-printing elements suppressed (grids, guides, non-printing objects), the pasteboard set to the preview background color defined in Preferences, and any printing elements within the document’s slug area (defined in Document Setup) showing.
in the Application bar, and select Standard Screen Mode from the pop-up menu.
displays artwork in a standard window, with a menu bar at the top and scroll bars on the sides.
displays artwork in a full-screen window, with a menu bar at the top and scroll bars.
displays artwork in a full-screen window, with no title bar or menu bar.
User groups foster community and professional development among local designers and developers, without the structure of a professional organization or the associated fees. Locally, Madison and Milwaukee boast some ROBUST groups that we think deserve your attention. Participation in these groups can extend your network, help you expand your skill set, connect you with potential projects or partners and can be a good face-to-face resource for troubleshooting challenges.
