HTML5 is the latest language used for structuring and presenting content on the Internet. The number 5 came to be because it’s the 5th revision of this standard. HTML4 was standardized in 1997. So why bother using HTML5? I am going to outline the major advantages of why you should. All of our projects at MixxCreative use the latest in technology including HTML5.
Audio & Video
With smartphones increasingly gaining market share, Flash is becoming an extinct software especially when it comes to multimedia delivery. The iPhone does not support Flash; therefore, all audio and video must be in an alternative format. HTML5 gives your site the ability to serve your media to all mobile devices and desktop browsers. For older browsers like IE, a Flash fallback is used.
Cleaner Markup
Developers can use less code to achieve the same results. Instead of using
<div id="header"></div>
all you need is
<header></header>
Improved Semantics
The structure of a page is much easier to understand. Headers, navs and footers are broken out better and allow search engines to understand the layout of your site. By using these tags, your site becomes worth more in the world of semantic markup.
Web Applications
There are so many available features that come with HTML5 making it easier to develop a focused front-end including real-time chats, drag-and-drop tools and discussion boards.
Client-side Databases
HTML5 browsers provide a SQL-based database API that can be utilized to store information locally. Keep in mind this is not used as a permanent database, but rather for temporary means such as storing the user’s name or shopping cart items.
Geolocation
“Checking in” seems to be a big thing these days and with HTML5 you can have this type of functionality on your site. An example of a great use of geolocation is a store locator on your site.
Offline Cache
HTML5 allows you to store information on the client side for use when not connected to the Internet.
This was just a quick 5,000 foot overview of the advantages that come with HTML5. As of today, this standard is still being developed but is widely used.
