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1997 SEP 11
Dynamic HTML
USA
Dynamic HTML
is a new set of technologies incorporated into Netscape Communicator
v.4.0 and Microsoft Internet Explorer v.4.0. Both browsers
are available in beta and trial versions at this time, and both are
expected to be available in final form within weeks.
"...every element of a Web page -- tags, graphics,
and text, for example -- are individually accessible,
programmable, and controllable."
There are two things
of interest for A&T visitors. The first is a new model for the
Web page itself, where the old model of page-by-page
viewing with repeated trips to the server is replaced by a more
comprehensive whole-site model. Essentially, an entire
Web site (or a large portion thereof) is transmitted and cached on
a viewer's machine. It can then be viewed in real time without the
considerable overhead required for server communications and
negotiations. This enhancement is a benefit for both content
consumers and producers.
The good news for producers is in the form of extensions to the
current HTML specification. Perhaps most notable of these is the
style sheet, where every element of a Web page -- tags,
graphics, and text, for example -- are individually accessible,
programmable, and controllable. Page elements can be layered, visible
or invisible until requested, making for truly dynamic page and
content presentation.
There's more, and interested A&T visitors are hereby directed to
the links below to learn more about these exciting developments. The
links are to D-HTML information as implemented in the Netscape and
Microsoft browsers. Developers note: see them both. The W3C link
will take you directly to HTML v.4.0 specifications at the WWW
Consortium.
Netscape Communicator v.4.0
home.netscape.com/focus3/comprod/products/communicator
Microsoft Internet Explorer v.4.0
www.microsoft.com/ie/ie40/features
HTML v.4.0 at W3C
www.w3.org/MarkUp/Cougar
The future of the Web
looks promising for both consumers and producers alike. Dynamic HTML
and the broader HTML v.4.0 specification provide useful and much needed
extensions to current specifications -- efficiency upgrades, new
style sheets, improvements for printing, forms, and tables, better
access to HTML for people with disabilities, support for the world's
languages, and more. Most promising!
Would you like to see your work in Zn?
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