What is HTML?

HTML or HyperText Markup language is the standard used to describe the content of all web pages. HTML tags are keywords surrounded by angle brackets which usually require pairs.

A web browser (e.g. Internet Explorer, Chrome, Firefox or Safari) is then used to read HTML documents and display them. The browser uses the tags to determine how to display the document and won’t usually output raw HTML.

HTML4.01 vs HTML5

HTML 4.01 had been a standard for creating web pages since the late 90’s which remained unchanged as a standard until 2008 when a new public draft was published for HTML5. As of October 2014, HTML5 was released as a W3C recommendation.

HTML5 introduced a number of new tags so that additional semantic meaning could be added to content. This helps to ensure that the markup is much cleaner and accessible. It also allows for other features like native video support without the use of Flash which ensures access from most mobile devices and tablets is achievable.

How Pilotbean use HTML5 to make better websites

At Pilotbean, we build all new client websites using HTML5 to ensure that the latest standards are used and that websites can take advantage of all features available within the markup.

This allows machines to read the structure of a website and understand the context of information within any given page. This can have added benefits for users with disabilities who may not be able to view a page. Search engines can also use HTML5 to gain a better understanding of the structure and semantic meaning of the content on a website and therefore utilising HTML can help achieve better search engine rankings when used correctly.

HTML5 also has the ability to provide additional functionality for devices that support the use of specific new tags. For example, the <time> tag can allow users to easily add events or appointments to their calendars directly from a web page.

Form inputs also have extra types available in HTML5 so that contextual keyboards on mobile devices and tablets can be displayed to make it easier for users to complete forms. These can include types such as email, date, number, telephone or colour pickers.

As with all technology, using the latest standards and best practices is always advisable to ensure that a website is in the greatest position to take advantage of new features. HTML5 is no different and at Pilotbean we use it to ensure that all users are given the best user experience possible regardless of the type of devices they’re using.