Embracing HTML5 and CSS3

The web is constantly changing and 2010 will be no different. Recently the Web Standards Project announced a change of direction, which really isn’t all that surprising. The “war for web standards” as Aaron Gustafson calls it is far from over, but a lot of people in the industry has adapted and now develop solutions which have an ever increasing level of standards compliancy.

Last year we saw the demise of XHTML2, enabling the HTML5 specification to go full throttle. Together with CSS3, this gives bit of a stir in the web ecosystem.

For instance, have a look at the particle emitter system made with HTML5 Canvas element. Add this to well-established techniques such as JavaScript, which still seems to conquer new grounds (look at the new JavaScript port of classic game Another World and you’ll know what I mean) and it seems like proprietary techniques such as Flash and Silverlight will be looking at rough times ahead.

HTML5 also has an element for video support, which will put further pressure on Flash. Another incentive is the lack of Flash support in the recently released iPad. But remember that the HTML5 specification is scheduled for release in 2012, so don’t hold your breath just yet.