Ali Boukeroui 3 min read
Difference Between HTML And HTML5
What is HTML?
HTML is referred to as the primary language of the World Wide Web. HTML stands for HyperText Markup Language. It is used to design web pages using a markup language. Hypertext defines a link between web pages.
A markup language is used to describe a text document within a tag that describes the structure of web pages. This language is used for descriptive (computer text) so that the machine can understand and use the text correctly. HTML uses tags to describe what manipulation should be done in a text.
What is HTML5?
HTML5 is a markup language used for structuring and presenting content on the World Wide Web. HTML5 is the fifth version of HTML that is a World Wide Web Consortium recommendation.
With HTML5, browsers like Firefox, Chrome, Explorer, Safari and more, can know easily how to display a particular web page, define where the elements are and where to put the images or where to place the text.
There is much difference between HTML and HTML5 discussed in the table below:
| HTML | HTML5 |
|---|---|
| HTML doesn't support audio and video without the use of flash player support. | HTML5 supports audio and video controls with the use of |
| HTML Doesn't allow JavaScript to run in a browser. | HTML5 Allows JavaScript to run in background. This is possible due to JS Web worker API in HTML5. |
| HTML uses cookies to store temporary data. | HTML5 uses SQL databases and application cache to store offline data. |
| HTML supports Vector graphics with the help of various technologies such as VML, Silver-light, Flash, etc. | Vector graphics is additionally an integral part of HTML5 like SVG and canvas. |
| HTML doesn't support drawing shapes like circles, rectangles, triangles etc. | HTML5 allows drawing shapes like circles, rectangles, triangles, etc. |
| HTML doesn't allow drag and drop effects. | HTML5 allows drag and drop effects. |
| HTML works with all old browsers but not with all new browsers. | HTML5 supported by all new browsers like Firefox, Mozilla, Chrome, Safari, etc. |
| The doctype declaration is too long and complicated. | The doctype declaration is quite simple and easy. |
| HTML makes it almost impossible to get the true GeoLocation of the user with the help of a browser. | HTML5 can track the GeoLocation of a user easily by using JS GeoLocation API. |
| HTML Elements like nav, header did not exist. | HTML5 offer new element for web structure like nav, header, footer, etc. |
| HTML Attributes like charset, async, and ping not exist. | Attributes of the charset, async, and ping are a part of HTML5. |
| HTML Character encoding is long and complicated. | Character encoding is simple and easy in HTML5. |
| HTML can not handle inaccurate syntax. | HTML5 is capable of handling inaccurate syntax. |
Conclusion
There is a very clear difference between HTML and HTML5. HyperText Markup (or HTML) language is essential for web development. HTML recommendations were issued by W3C. HTML5 has introduced the most widely accepted changes.
Mobile and media support enhancements are the most important for users but there has also been a lot of diversity happening to make the work of web developers easier too. All in all, it's about time.
