Tell me about HTML5
HTML5 is the new revision of the HTML standard, and we’re right in the middle of its development. Its roots began in 2004, when the Web Hypertext Application Technology Working Group started creating a successor to the earlier standards, HTML 4.01 and XHTML 1.1. While the basic goal of all the standards are the sameto structure content for presentation on the World Wide Webthere are many important differences between HTML5 and earlier versions. Perhaps realizing this, the World Wide Web Consortium stopped development on XHTML 2.0 in 2009 and began working in tandem with WHATWG on its new project.The problem with the earlier HTML and XHTML standards is that they are cobbled together from a number of sources, including official specifications and web browsers, making it easy for errors to sneak in undetected. HTML5 aims to be compatible with both HTML and XHTML syntax, while also adding new syntax that will make interoperability even easier. Oh, and its being edited by Ian Hickson of Google, Inc.While the adoption of HTML5 will primarily be of interest to developers, designers should also take note of the new standard. The new syntax features, such as <audio>, <canvas>, and <video>, will make it simpler to add multimedia elements to your site. There will also be new elements to make the markup language clearer, even to those unfamiliar with it. These include <article>, <header>, <nav>, and <section>.HTML5 also specifies application programming interfaces, otherwise known as APIs. Several of these are brand-new, including the canvas element, which allows for immediate mode 2D drawing. Other new APIs include an offline storage database, document editing, the MIME type and protocol handler registration, and timed media playback.The time when HTML5 becomes an official W3C Recommendation is still sometime in the future. Hickson estimates that the specification will become a Candidate Recommendation in 2012at this point, the main features of the specification are locked down, and the development community is expected to help improve the standard’s implementation. On this timeline, Hickson estimates 2022 as the earliest point that the W3C will issue its recommendation.However, have no fear. Certain features of HTML5 are already stable and can be implemented today, including the <canvas> attribute. The number of active features should only increase as time goes on. How will you use these features to improve your website? Developers are just starting to figure this out, which means there should be many exciting opportunities for designers in the months ahead.