Difference between HTML5 and Flash
HTML 5 is the next awaited version of HTML (Hypertext Markup Language) which is expected to bring about a radical change in the client side web coding. The speculations over the html version 5 have already begun and these are not going to last for long as the version is expected to hit the Internet arena very soon.
Flash is presently the most eminent methodology to integrate animations and multimedia content and other rich internet applications with the web pages. Adobe Systems has taken Flash to new heights after acquiring it from the previous owner Macromedia. The Microsoft counterpart of Flash is SILVERLIGHT.
The Idea
Introduced in 1996, Flash was aimed to provide users a pleasant experience while surfing web pages through the use of animation and interactivity. Over the years Flash has evolved and now it is much more than just an animation and interactivity tool. From video streaming to action script coded software controls, Flash has a big library of services. In fact nearly every second video website requires Adobe Flash player to watch video.
Web Hypertext Application Technology Working Group (WHATWG) took the initiative in 2004 to work on new HTML specifications (5.0) which mainly intended to eradicate the need of using existing proprietary RIA tools. Besides, it will also cater to the need of the modern day web pages and take care of the loop holes in the current version. It is in the last phase of implementation.
Prediction
One of the major common conclusions from all the speculations about HTML 5 coming to the surface is that HTML 5 is going to affect adversely the existing proprietary rich internet application tools such as Adobe flash, Microsoft Silverlight and Oracle (not SUN) JavaFX.
HTML 5 will include built in features such as audio, video tags to include the multimedia content. The success of these inclusions depend on various factors - whether the gamut of multimedia tags is at par with other RIA technologies, how easily user get used to using the new tags and how efficient are these from the viewpoint of browsers.
Rich Internet Application (RIA) Technologies
There is a problem with the existing cross platform plug-ins based proprietary RIA technologies such as flash, Silverlight, etc. in terms of interoperability. Since these are different implementations by different vendors, these always invite complications in order to inter operate.
The proposed HTML version 5 addresses this issue and aims to develop a standard that would enable developers write codes that won't be limited to one vendor's implementation or language.
Similarities and Differences
Though at the moment the predictions about flash and Silverlight seeing a low in the near future might sound strong, however we must keep in mind that the giants like Adobe and Microsoft aware of this fact; you never know what they would come up with! We all vouch for their ability to outthink the world, Right?
