HTML (HyperText Markup Language) has been the backbone of web development since the inception of the World Wide Web.
Let's explore its evolution through different versions:
| Version | Year | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| HTML 1.0 | 1991 | Basic document structure |
| HTML 2.0 | 1995 | Forms support |
| HTML 3.2 | 1997 | Tables & complex layouts |
| HTML 4.01 | 1999 | CSS integration |
| XHTML | 2000 | XML-based strict syntax |
| HTML5 | 2014 | Multimedia & semantic elements |
1. HTML 1.0 (1991)
The original version created by Tim Berners-Lee. Basic features included:
- Heading tags (h1-h6)
- Paragraph and list elements
- Basic hyperlinking with <a> tag
- No support for styling or layouts
2. HTML 2.0 (1995)
First standardized version by IETF. Major additions:
- Form elements (text inputs, buttons)
- Image embedding with <img>
- Basic table structure
- Client-side image maps
3. HTML 3.2 (1997)
W3C's first recommendation. Introduced:
- Advanced table features
- Form enhancements (textareas, labels)
- Applet embedding
- Text flow around images
4. HTML 4.01 (1999)
Major leap forward with:
- Separation of structure and presentation
- CSS support
- Frame support (though controversial)
- Accessibility features
- Internationalization support
5. XHTML (2000)
XML-based reformulation. Key characteristics:
- Strict syntax requirements
- Case-sensitive tags
- Mandatory attribute quoting
- Better integration with XML tools
6. HTML5 (2014)
The current standard with revolutionary features:
- Semantic elements (<header>, <article>, <nav>)
- Native multimedia support (<video>, <audio>)
- Canvas for graphics
- Geolocation API
- Local storage
- Form validation
- Mobile-first features
Looking Forward
HTML5 continues to evolve as a living standard. Recent additions include:
- Web Components
- Web Workers
- WebSocket API
- Progressive Web App features