Top 6 Benefits of HTML5

Still haven’t jumped on the HTML5 bandwagon? Originally released October 28, 2014, the fifth generation Hyper Text Markup Language offers vast improvements over its predecessors. Among its core objectives, HTML5 seeks to improve language support for rich media while maintaining a high level of readability by both humans and computers. If you’re still skeptical of HTML5, keep reading to learn the top 6 benefits that it offers.

#1) Video and Audio Tags

Using HTML5, web developers can embed rich media without the use of third-party plugins or add-ons. Previous versions of the Hyper Text Markup Language required the use of Adobe Flash, Quicktime or similar software to embed and play back media. Now, however, web developers can simply use the new <video> and <audio> element tags introduced in HTML5.

#2) Offline Web Caching

Another notable benefit of HTML5 is caching for websites. While most of the major web browsers already support resource caching, they have a tendency to automatically delete items to free up storage space for new items. HTML5’s Application Cache eliminates this problem while allowing users to navigate the complete website without an active internet connection (assuming they have cached the files already).

#3) Mobile-Friendliness

According to the Pew Internet Project, approximately 64% of Americans now own a smartphone – a number that’s expected to increase in the months and years to come. HTML5 developers recognize the importance of providing a fluid, fully functional experience for mobile users. The fifth generation Hyper Text Markup Language support the use of viewports (e.g. width and zoom settings), as well as full-screen browsing and home screen icons.

#4) Compatible with All Web Browsers

Regardless of the user’s web browser, you can rest assured knowing that your HTML5 website will display properly. HTML5 is supported by all of the major web browsers, including Internet Explorer, Firefox, Chrome, Opera, and Safari. The doctype was created with an emphasis on cross-compatibility between the different web browsers, both new and old. Keep in mind, though, that just because HTML5 supports all of the major web browsers, this doesn’t necessarily mean that all of the tags and elements will work.

#5) It’s the New Standard for Web Development

Whether you are developing a complete website or just an application, HTML5 has become the de-facto standard for web development. Google, for instance, announced that it would be phasing out Flash in support for HTML5. Other companies and web-based organizations have made similar announcements, attesting to the widespread reach of HTML5.

#6) Cleaner Code

The benefits of HTML5 don’t end there. It has been optimized so that developers can write cleaner code by using semantic elements like <footer>, <header>, <main>, and <mark> to describe their content. This eliminates the need for <div=id> and <class=id> tags, offering a cleaner, less messy code.

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