Today's web programmers face a big choice when it comes to fancier aspects of their sites: HTML or Flash? One start-up hopes it can bridge the gap with a technology called FluidHTML.
The start-up, FHTML, announced software on Monday at the TechCrunch50 conference that's intended to give HTML-style programmers the ability to use Flash features.
FluidHTML's language is an extension of HTML, the company said. "We borrow a lot of the really good ideas from HTML, because why wouldn't we?" said chief executive Michael Collette at the conference.
The approach holds some promise — but it also poses some risks. It may be complicated trying to get HTML and Flash programmers to work together, but at least those are established disciplines. FluidHTML requires a language known by neither set of coders right now, and the technology is supported just by a start-up still seeking its own programming staff and US$1 million to US$2 million in venture funding.
HTML, the traditional language of the web, got its start showing just text and images with basic layouts. The second, begun by Macromedia and now led by Adobe Systems, is better suited for animations and flashy graphics, video, and increasingly, applications as well.
But a different set of programming skills are required to build Flash-powered sites or applications, so it doesn't always coexist easily on the same website. Programming is getting even more complicated as Flash converges with HTML and its companion, JavaScript.
FluidHTML relies on a Flash software module that programmers can embed in their web pages. It interprets the HTML-esque code to supply Flash features such as vector graphics, sound and video.
"The mark-up language supports very powerful commands (tags) and can do remarkable things that take enormous development effort in Flash," the company said. "FluidHTML RIAs (rich internet applications) can be developed by less expensive programmers and require fewer man-hours to build than Flash."
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Aditya Prakash - 17/09/09
Few years back, I was working with a guy who was brilliant at flash and after seeing him work on Flash, I felt nervous. I thought I could never compete with this guy in creating a RIA (Rich Internet Application). I bought myself a flash bible, only to never use it as I read about the problems of flash.
So What are problems with flash?
It is far too difficult for a not so artistic guy like me to work on Flash.
I realised Flash based web applications are not crawled by search engines and my site would not exactly be an adobe or google, backed for direct traffic for it.
So What did I do?
I chucked the idea of learning flash.
I had to live with CSS and JavaScript to create all the magic. Although they were never comparable to the flash applications.
I had to wait for HTML 5 to be cooler and IE to render it correctly.!! A distant dream I must say.
So What is the solution?
Actually I didnot have one at that point in time but having seen FluidHTML’s presentation at TechCrunch50, I guess times are changing. FluidHTML claims and seems to have come up with a markup for Flash.
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Romase - 04/10/09
site best
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