Things you should know about HTML 5

Hyper Text Markup Language (HTML) is a prerequisite for developing the pages of a website. Primarily HTML can be said to be composed of tags as well as angle brackets but its function and purpose cannot be defined by these two elements alone. If a website developer is keen to provide an excellent experience for all users, it is imperative to understand the importance of HTML 5. HTML 5 is an upgraded version of HTML 4. It might concern the users of HTML 4 on the problems that they might face while using HTML 5.

HTML 5 is not altogether different from its previous version; it is more of an enhancement that will not interfere with the previous format but definitely possesses new improved controls for input. A few nuggets of truth regarding HTML 5 are enlisted below which would dispel all fictive assumptions and reveal its resourcefulness:

Fact#1: Video Tag

A video tag in HTML 5 includes an Application Program Interface or DOM API, which can be used to identify the support required for video formats and for several other functions of videos like downloading, muting, pausing etc.

Fact#2: “small” Element Redefined

“small” element was initially used to create subheads for logo. Although it is a valuable presentation element, it would be incorrect to use it now. With HTML5 “small” would now refer to “small print.” For instance, copyright statement in the footer section would use “small” to display information.

Fact#3: New Doctypes

There were many doctypes in earlier HTML programs but in the case of HTML5, it has a single doctype. Using HTML 5 doctype will not affect the previous markup. Rather, there isn’t any need for doctypes in HTML 5, but still it is kept for browsers that need a particular doctype.

Fact#4: Figure Elements

Previously there wasn’t any way to combine a caption with a related image within a tag specified for a paragraph. With the introduction of the tag in HTML5 captions can be connected with corresponding images.

Fact#5: Edit Content Now

TML 5 contains an effective attribute that can be utilized for different elements. Known as ‘contenteditable’ and any user can use this feature to rectify text.

Fact#6: No Type for Links or Scripts

Earlier was used to define stylesheets and scripts. But now, in HTML 5 the ‘type’ element can be obliterated for specifying tags like link or script.

Fact#7: Placeholders

Earlier we utilized JavaScript to create placeholders for textboxes, which would be left empty when a user erases inputs. Now HTML5 remedies this useful feature, as it doesn’t allow textboxes to be empty.

Fact#8: Improved Audio Element

The <audio> component of HTML 5 reduces the importance of plugins required from a third party to play it.  

Fact#9: Autofocus Element

The ‘autofocus’ feature is yet another helpful attribute that eliminates the requirement for solutions from JavaScript. In order to ensure default focus of specific inputs the above-mentioned feature can be used.

Fact#10: Preload Feature

There is also the ‘preload’ feature, which can load videos from beforehand. This feature is best suited for web pages created especially for showing videos. Thus, time of the user will be considerably saved, if the video is kept preloaded.

Fact#11: Mark Element

In HTML5, element acts a highlighter. A string within this tag should justify the user’s action. For instance, a user searches for “SEO Services in India” on a browser, he/she could wrap each incidence of this search within tags.

The HTML 5 is gaining precedence in the arena of webpage development but not all running browsers (especially in the case of older versions of Internet Explorer) support it. The features of HTML 5 entail easy application which is the chief reason behind its rising use and current browsers support almost all the features of HTML 5.