Chapter 1Basics: What is HTML5?

The easy answer is that it’s the latest version of HTML. But that doesn’t tell us much. Specifically, HTML5:

  • defines a parsing algorithm for generating a consistent DOM (Document Object Model) tree, even from ambiguous or poor-quality markup

  • adds new elements to support multimedia and web applications

  • redefines the rules and semantics of existing HTML elements

With HTML5, we can now embed audio and video natively within HTML documents. We can use inline SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics) markup. We can build more robust form experiences, complete with native error checking. We can create games, charts, and animations using the canvas element. Documents can communicate with each other using cross-document messaging. ...

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