Switching to HTML 5 and CSS3

Question

I constantly find myself creating sites using newer technologies (such as HTML 5 and CSS 3, then adding either backwards compatibility layers or porting entirely to XHTML 1.0 and CSS 2.1. This process often involves replacing CSS with sprite images and adding in flash components for advanced asynchronous support.

My question is when can I can start to use the modern standards exclusively. Do I need to wait until Internet Explorer 9 is released or is it acceptable to request users switch to a "better" browser? Furthermore, if dropping compatibility for non HTML 5 browsers is an option, is it reasonable to ask mainstream users to install the Google Frame Frame?

Thanks.

Answer 1

This has been already discussed actually. Have a look at:

When can I use...

As can be seen, we are far (far, ............far) too away from using it. However, there are certain things you can use today but you will have to implement what is known as:

• Graceful degradation
• Progressive enhancement

so that things do not look too bad when a certain feature is not supported.

My question is when can I can start to use the modern standards exclusively. Do I need to wait until Internet Explorer 9 is released or is it acceptable to request users switch to a "better" browser?

We are too far from it, some say it will be no less than 2025 when we will be able to use it exclusively.

Furthermore, if dropping compatibility for non HTML 5 browsers is an option, is it reasonable to ask mainstream users to install the Google Frame Frame?

Not really, we have to target specific browsers a user is using instead.

Answer 2

That depends largely on your target audience.

• A lot of less technical users don't and won't update their browser they got together with their PC. This has gotten a bit better lately as they will at least get newer version of the same browser eventually with some regree of delay - via Microsoft update with IE and Firefox's new version notification.

  So you need to wait till IE9 (and FF4 by then) are released AND are upgraded to by majority of user base, considering the current market share of IE.

• Most corporate users have ZERO control over which browser they have.

Answer 3

I think this is more a question of business strategy, resources and politics than etiquette or "doing the right thing". And as such, it should be asked on a per-case basis and with the purpose and overall strategy of the website in mind.

For instance, consider the following two different scenarios:

• You're creating a website that will be used by thousands of people in their everyday work for checking flights and other travel details. They'll be using anything from desktop computers and laptops to mobile devices and surf stations they find in airport cafés. The easier and faster you can provide them with the information they need, compared to your competition, the higher the perceived value of your website will be. Now, would you be able to increase this perceived value by only using HTML5? I think not. In fact, it's difficult to see what HTML5 could do at all to differentiate your website in this case. (Except providing in-your-face distractive flashy animations that actually lower the perceived value.)

• You're creating an online in-browser computer game where gamers will take part in a virtual world where they build things together and interact. The more compelling and enticing the game will be, compared to your competition, the higher the perceived value of your website will be. Now, would you be able to increase this perceived value by only using HTML5? Well yes! The question then comes down to: is the increased value you can achieve by using HTML5 enough to count for the loss in potential users? It might, depending on how the market looks. If you're the only one making an HTML5-game, man, you're in luck. Another thing is that by polarizing and "choosing" users with modern browsers you enable yourself to develop products that are better than your competitors' products. Your segmenting the market. And you're cherry-picking the segment that allows you to stay at the front. This can be a very profitable business strategy.

Well, just a thought. Coffee! : )