Glossary of web design terms you should know

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HTML5 (Hypertext markup language 5)

HTML5 (Hypertext Markup Language 5) is the fifth and current version of the Hypertext Markup Language, which is used to build and structure content on a website. It’s the standard language that web browsers read to display everything from text and images to forms and videos on a webpage. HTML5 introduced a ton of upgrades that make websites faster, more interactive, and mobile-friendly right out of the box. If you’re working on modern web development or even just dabbling in blogging, chances are you're already benefiting from what HTML5 brings to the table.

Whether you're building a personal blog or a business site, HTML5 is the skeleton that holds your content together. It's also one of the main reasons today's sites look and feel way more dynamic and responsive compared to older versions of the web.

How HTML5 works in web design

HTML5 works by using a variety of predefined tags that browsers understand to display content in a structured and readable way. Tags like

,
,
, and
make the page layout more semantic, which is helpful for accessibility and SEO. HTML5 also supports embedding multimedia like video and audio without needing third-party plugins.

It works hand-in-hand with CSS and JavaScript to control styling and interactivity, forming the core trio of front-end web development. Because it’s standardized across all major browsers, it helps developers create consistent user experiences.

Why HTML5 matters for your website

HTML5 plays a major role in how modern websites function and appear. It allows for cleaner, more readable code that loads faster and performs better across different devices. With HTML5, developers can create mobile-friendly layouts, rich media experiences, and accessible content without relying on outdated tools or code.

If you're using a website builder, it's very likely that it’s already taking advantage of HTML5 behind the scenes. This means your site will be better optimized for mobile, have better compatibility across devices, and can even help with your SEO performance.

Key features introduced with HTML5

  • Semantic elements like
  • Built-in media support for audio and video tags eliminates the need for external plugins like Flash.
  • Improved forms offer new input types such as email, date, and range, simplifying form creation and validation.
  • Canvas and SVG support allow developers to draw graphics directly in the browser, useful for animations and games.
  • Offline capabilities with features like local storage and service workers enable certain content to load without an internet connection.

These upgrades not only improve the user experience but also streamline the work for developers.

Common uses of HTML5 today

You’ll find HTML5 at the heart of almost every modern website, whether it's a simple landing page or a full-blown web application. It powers everything from contact forms to embedded videos and layout structuring. Businesses use it to create responsive designs that look great on desktops, tablets, and phones.

It’s also widely used in mobile app development through frameworks like PhoneGap or Ionic, where developers write HTML5 code that runs in a native app wrapper. That flexibility makes it a go-to choice for front-end developers, designers, and even AI-powered site builders.

FAQs about HTML5

What makes HTML5 different from previous versions?

HTML5 introduces new semantic tags, built-in media support, and improved APIs for offline use and form validation. Unlike earlier versions, it emphasizes a cleaner, more readable structure and better compatibility across modern devices and browsers.

Is HTML5 mobile-friendly?

Yes, HTML5 is built with responsiveness in mind. It works well with CSS and JavaScript to support mobile-first design, meaning your website can adjust fluidly to various screen sizes. Most website builders automatically implement HTML5 for this reason.

Can I use HTML5 with other coding languages?

Absolutely. HTML5 is typically used alongside CSS for design and JavaScript for functionality. It also works with server-side languages like PHP or Python, especially in full-stack development environments.

Does HTML5 affect SEO?

Yes, the semantic elements in HTML5 help search engines better understand your content. This can improve how your pages are indexed and ranked, making your site more discoverable on Google and other search engines.

Build your site on HTML5 without touching code

You don’t need to know all the ins and outs of HTML5 to have a beautiful, functional, and responsive website. Platforms like B12 do the heavy lifting for you, using HTML5 best practices in every template and feature. That means your site will load quickly, look great on all devices, and be optimized for search engines.

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