HTML5, the fifth version of the HyperText Markup Language (HTML), introduced several new features and improvements over its previous version, HTML4.
1. Semantic Elements: HTML5 introduced elements like <article>, <section>, <nav>, <header>, and <footer>. These provide a clearer structure, making it easier to understand the role of different parts of a webpage. This not only aids in readability but also benefits SEO and accessibility.
2. Video and Audio Support: Before HTML5, embedding audio and video in web pages usually required third-party plugins. HTML5 introduced the <audio> and <video> elements, allowing for native media playback. It’s akin to having a built-in media player in your web page.
3. Web Storage: HTML5 introduced two important storage options: localStorage and sessionStorage. These allow websites to store data on the client’s browser in a more secure and efficient way than the older cookies method.
4. New Form Attributes: HTML5 introduced new form attributes like required, placeholder, disabled, and readonly. These attributes help make forms more accessible and user-friendly.
And also introduced new input type attributes like date, time, week, month, number, email,, tel, color, and password.
5. New Global Attributes: HTML5 introduced several new global attributes like contenteditable, spellcheck, and data-* (for custom data attributes). These provide more control and flexibility over the behavior of HTML elements.
6. Geolocation API: This allows websites to access the geographical location of the user. Think of how many apps now suggest restaurants or shops near you; that’s often powered by this feature.
These new features make HTML5 a more comprehensive and powerful language than HTML4.