HTML5 is the latest standard for HTML. The previous version of HTML, HTML 4.01, came in 1999, and the internet has changed significantly since then. HTML5 was designed to replace both HTML 4, XHTML, and the HTML DOM Level 2.
It was specially designed to deliver rich content without the need for additional plugins. The current version delivers everything from animation to graphics, music to movies, and can also be used to build complicated web applications.
HTML5 is also cross-platform. It is designed to work whether you are using a PC, or a Tablet, a Smartphone, or a Smart TV.
Some of the most interesting new features in HTML5 are:
- The <canvas> element for 2D drawing
- The <video> and <audio> elements for media playback
- Support for local storage
- New content-specific elements, like <article>, <footer>, <header>, <nav>, <section>
- New form controls, like calendar, date, time, email, url, search
Browser Support for HTML5
All major browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Internet Explorer, Safari, Opera) support the new HTML5 elements and APIs, and continue to add new HTML5 features to their latest versions. The HTML 5 working group includes AOL, Apple, Google, IBM, Microsoft, Mozilla, Nokia, Opera, and hundreds of other vendors.