The development from Java to HTML5

We are able to use numerous operating systems for apps that function on devices of all shapes, sizes, resolutions, carrier networks, connection speeds, user interfaces, app stores and so on.

But there’s definitely such a thing as too much choice, and in order to optimise the development process, we need consistent standards across the board.

Cross-platform programming is a long-standing – and growing – issue for developers. There was a time when we looked to Java for our cross-platform development needs, but it quickly aged and JavaScript began to overtake.

With the ability to interact with the browser and control content display with HTML CSS, support for JavaScript became part of the furniture for browsers. It is now the programming language of HTML5 and consequently the gateway to full cross-platform development.

Being able to write your application and run it on all sorts of devices – phones, tablets, netbooks, desktops, or even TVs – is one of the reasons HTML5 is being considered by the World Wide Web Consortium as the next mark-up language standard.

But it’s not just because it’s convenient for developers; company IT departments benefit from the flexibility as well. More and more people are bringing their own devices to work and we have found ourselves in a position where the same apps need to function on hundreds of different smartphones, tablets and laptops.

There are lots of operating systems available, and even more devices. Developers need to find a cost-effective way to create their applications. Java introduced the idea of cross-platform optimisation, but HTML5, with its core technologies JavaScript and CSS, is the best way to develop in 2013 and beyond.

To get you started on the history of HTML5, look at this infographic. If you have more questions about HTML5 – where it is and where it’s going – have a read of this interview with Moh Haghighat, a senior principal engineer in the Developer Products Division of Intel’s Software and Services Group. He is leading Intel’s HTML5 technical strategy and has given us some great insights on why HTML5 is where it is today.

• This blog post is written by Softtalkblog, and is sponsored by the Intel Developer Zone, which helps you to develop, market and sell software and apps for prominent platforms and emerging technologies powered by Intel Architecture.