Does HTML5 Really Live up to the Hype?

If you pay any attention to the technology buzzwords, you may have heard about HTML5. HTML5 is the next version of HTML that is currently in development and will replace most existing HTML languages on web pages all over the globe. While most people believe that HTML5 will bring only improvements, others are worried that it will cause more problems than it is worth. So is HTML5 worth the hype? Read on to find out.

 

What is HTML5?

HTML5 is nothing more than an updated programming language for web developers. It is not a software or program on its own, but simply a more streamlined way for modern website designers to implement the features that are a necessity for the modern website. The current version of HTML in use today was first released in 1997, which makes it incompatible with many of the features of today’s web pages, like flash, java, and videos. Getting those features to work with the current system requires a large amount of modification and patience. The goal of HTML5 is to make implementing these features easier and to make mobile-based programming much easier as well. HTML5 is currently still in development, but many top website already use the new language, including Google.

 

Functionality

While fans of HTML5 believe that it will drastically change Internet and mobile programming for the better, others are not so sure. Although the language is designed to increase the functionality of the language and make it easier to work with in multiple applications, the same basic language is largely the same. Everyday users may notice a small boost in the speed and functionality of their web pages in the future, and mobile web sites will probably load faster, but unless you work directly with programming websites every day, it is unlikely that you will notice most of the changes.

 

Utilization on mobile devices

Much of the new features in HTML5 are designed to make mobile browsing easier. Today’s mobile browsing is clunky at best, and many phone users are frustrated by the experience that is rather expensive for something that is not very reliable. HTML5 hopes to address this problem and make it easier to view web pages from your phone. But whether or not there will be enough changes in the language to keep up with the demand and increase in mobile browsing is yet to be seen.

 

Future Internet Changes

There are many changes that have Internet programmers extremely excited about the new language. The changes are supposed to simplify programming and use language and syntax that makes more sense with modern programming techniques. Programmers will hopefully be able to program faster and implement additional website features easier than with current HTML systems. However, since the language is still in development, it is unknown what precise changes will occur in the language.

 

Potential Drawbacks

While there are many advantages to the language, there are also a few potential disadvantages. One of the biggest disadvantages to the language is that all programmers will have to learn the new language. This will take some time, and may frustrate the programmers. For the everyday user, if your web browser is not enabled to view the new language, it will not be able to display the new content. It may take some time for all browsers to switch to the new language. However, many browsers have already updated to the current version of HTML5 still in development.

So, does HTML5 live up to the hype? So far its prospects look good, but there is no way of knowing for sure until the official version of the language is released. Until then, programmers should look into the new changes so they can be ready to switch over to the new language when it is officially released.