html Archive

Although we are still a ways away from being able to use HTML5 and CSS3 to their full potential, some really neat things are being done with them right now. In case you missed the news last week, a new, Web-based version of the wildly popular game Angry Birds was unveiled. For the most part, that application is built using HTML5 and JavaScript (relying heavily on the new <canvas> element and all of its power).

There was some minor controversy over the game, after it was discovered that it still requires Flash in order to play the game (to produce the sounds and music for the game rather than using HTML5 audio), but there are some potentially valid reasons for that. Continue reading “What’s New With HTML5, CSS3 and JavaScript?” »

You’ve probably already heard about this, but in case you haven’t, I wanted to share this. Google’s engineers have done a quick port of a Java version of the classic Quake II video game so that it works strictly with HTML5 resources. No plugins are needed to play Quake II in your browser.

I’ve seen a few people talk about the fact that it’s not extremely impressive to port a game as old as Quake II into HTML5. However, from my standpoint, it’s a pretty incredible achievement. Sure, Quake II isn’t the most advanced game in the world, and Flash is probably capable of quite a bit more right now (though, judging from 99% of the games currently available in Flash, I’m not sure about that). However, the fact that this game can run without Flash (in HTML5, which means it will probably work extremely well on the iPhone and iPad before much longer), means that the possibilities for doing similar, tangentially-related projects. Continue reading “Frag! Google Ports Quake II to HTML5” »

From our sister blog HTMLCenter:

Around here (HTMLCenter) we know that developers are no (April) fools. As we get ready to relaunch one of the longest running, independently-owned Web development resource sites,  we are excited to announce our 30 days of Web developer interviews. Each day during the month of April, we will post an interview with a Web developer. The developer can work for a large company, a startup or be an indie. We are looking to interview a diverse set of Web developers from around the world.

If you are interested in participating, please send an email to allen =at= htmlcenter.com and include the following:

• Name
• Location
• Development Language
• Employment type (large company, startup, indie)
• Programming languages (PHP, Ruby, etc.)

We expect a large volume of responses so only those who are selected will be notified. Thanks for your interest!

Today I will rant about a new online HTML editor named Texty. Yesterday I read a review about Texty on Techcrunch titled, "Dead Simple Content Creation and Editing". The TechCrunch review missed a few key points so here is my take on Texty.

What do we need Texty for?

Texty rides the WYSIWYG-wave (What You See Is What You Get) which started back in 1997/98 when WYSIWYG was what HTML editors were all about. I still remember the more well-known titles including Frontpage, Dreamweaver, and Hotmetal Pro (!!!). In short, a WYSIWYG HTML editor allows you to create HTML pages without the hassle of learning what the tags are for and this concept is still very prominent today.

Here is the idea behind Texty. Texty suggests that it provides you with a method to create formated text for a website (for free) so you will never have to learn HTML and never have to touch FTP ever (again).

To start off, let's give them credit – creating text is very easy. The system will also create an account on Texty for you (semi-automatic) where all your documents are saved and are easily retrieved. This part couldn't be any easier.

What's the catch?

If you don't run a blog/cms software, or don't use a hosted something-interface, how are you going to get this on your server? Even services like MySpace do not allow any JavaScript to be used, and neither does Facebook. So unless you run your own show and have all the access, you probably won't be able to use Texty.

Then again, if you have your own blog software, using Texty becomes pointless.

My second question for Texty is – what made you think that entering JavaScript code somewhere else is easier than a couple HTML tags?

Last but not least, a question raised in multiple places – what happens when Texty is gone tomorrow? Or maybe not gone, but down for updates and so on. All your pages will cease to exist, be it temporarily or forever.

Too many questions – no answers. Apparently the folks at Texty did not have time (yet) to finish their "contact us" page – but still had plenty of time to get down with Techcrunch for a review.

More facts about Texty:

1. Almost any blogging software provides you with the same features (for free)
2. Texty uses the open source editor Tiny MCE (also part of WordPress, for example) – anyone can do it

This article was provided by Till Klampäckel who has been online for over ten years. He contributes to open source software, is addicted to geo-tagging and enjoys blogging and coffee (always and at any time of the day).

<begin shameless plug> 

Earlier this week, HTMLCenter relaunched. HTMLCenter is a site that I started with a friend 10 years ago. One of the first web sites dedicated to helping people with their web development and design questions.

Check out my blog entry to learn more about the history of HTMLCenter (and yes the blog will move into the new design, I am also considering moving it from MT to WP).

Here is a piece of my post discussing the future of HTMLCenter:

So what's next for HTMLCenter? Content updates as most of the current content is a version behind. We have signed a couple new writers to create tutorials around CSS and XHTML coding. If you are interested in writing for HTMLCenter either for tutorials or for reviews, drop me a line. We'd love to have you! And in the coming weeks, the HTMLCenter blog will relaunch with a new emphasis on web development topics. So for 2007, it's all about the content!

So there is my shameless plug. If you have ideas or thoughts for HTMLCenter, please let me know.

<end shameless plug>

check out our new article about what we learned from being dugg »

I get asked a lot about clean URLs. Most times the question is, “Why should I use clean URLs when building my web app?” And so, with that, I give you the CenterNetworks Top 3 Reasons to use clean URLs when building your web app:

Reason 1: Virality

When you see someone in the street and want to give them a URL inside your site, would you say something like (click the audio for real world example):

• reviews.cnet.com/4531-10921_7-6648315.html?tag=cnetfd.mt
  
• cnet.com/firefox0dayhoax
  

I am pretty sure it is the latter. It is important that people can speak your URLs where ever possible. Of course it is important to remember that this list is appropriate for those starting out. When you look at a site like CNET that has been around for years, changing their URL structure would be very difficult.

I use the MOM test when creating URLs…. if my mother understands the URL then I go with it.

Reason 2: Optimization

Search engines like clean URLs. And we all know how important good search engine rankings are. But you will see I did not call reason #2 – search engine optimization. And why? Because optimization of a web site (or its URLs) is more than just for SEO purposes. There are many social bookmarking sites today that only let you save the URL and a description. Wouldn’t it be nice if the description was in the URL?

Reason 3: Show Off Your Dopeness

When you use clean URLs you say to the rest of the web apps world, “we know wtf we are doing.” Otherwise you could be considered just another geek with a site. Why not be considered cool? Why not be considered dope? Well use clean URLs and you can! And there are no Surgeon General’s warnings on the package! Imagine for a second… a T-Shirt that says “got clean URLs?” Would be the hit of the Web 2.0 meetups!

Conclusion

The bottom line is that today it is very easy to create clean URLs. Every web server software can handle them and they help big time. Whether you use Drupal, Joomla, WordPress, Moveable Type or create your own application, clean URLs have never been easier to use!

One important note – PLAN YOUR URL STRUCTURE – whether you use clean or dynamic – it is imporant to create a structure that will work today and in the future. What you don’t want is to run out of usable URLs in the first year of business. Create a plan and reap the rewards.