We often get asked if HTML5 is a feasible replacement for Flash. Even more so, this question has been presented to us by companies who are making the move to mobile sites and apps. The fact of the matter is, there’s no one size fits all approach to choosing one platform over the other, however, there are certain best practices for implementation based on what type of site or entertainment you are developing. In order to be fair, let’s take a look at the strengths and weaknesses of both. Historically, Flash has been the go-to programming language for developers who were seeking a solution for robust animation, rich media or interactive graphics or games. However, with the introduction of new smart devices, many developers stopped or slowed their use of Flash in favor of alternatives like Java (for Android devices) and Objective C (for iPhone). And when HTML5 was introduced and then supported by YouTube, it provided the long-sought-after answer to search friendly animation. HTML5 is a great alternative to Flash, but it does have some drawbacks, including the fact that it’s only supported by about 1/2 of browsers. (Advocates of HTML5 aren’t concerned by this, seeing as how it’s the exciting technology of the future, whereas fans of Flash don’t feel the HTML5 adoption rate is a threat.) However, even though HTML5 doesn’t work for some older versions of Internet Explorer, its features do work for the two most popular browsers – Chrome and Firefox. When it comes to testing and implementation, HTML5 may have the upper hand. Whereas multiple HTML5 files are rendered through the browser, just one Flash file is rendered through the proprietary Adobe software, meaning bugs on a browser can immediately be fixed, whereas bugs within Adobe must be fixed within the Flash plug-in. One place where HTML5 has yet to steal the show is in the gaming industry. It still has some limitations compared to the robust and higher-end animation that Flash has to offer. If Flash is to remain dominant in the video game industry, there will need to be continuous improvements to keep up with the advances of HTML5. Our key take-a-way? Right now, there’s a place for both Flash and HTML5. We see HTML5 as a great replacement for simple animations and sites built on WordPress, whereas Flash still works well for those on .NET.
We often get asked if HTML5 is a feasible replacement for Flash. Even more so, this question has been presented to us by companies who are making the move to mobile sites and apps. The fact of the matter is, there’s no one size fits all approach to choosing one platform over the other, however, there are certain best practices for implementation based on what type of site or entertainment you are developing. In order to be fair, let’s take a look at the strengths and weaknesses of both. Historically, Flash has been the go-to programming language for developers who were seeking a solution for robust animation, rich media or interactive graphics or games. However, with the introduction of new smart devices, many developers stopped or slowed their use of Flash in favor of alternatives like Java (for Android devices) and Objective C (for iPhone). And when HTML5 was introduced and then supported by YouTube, it provided the long-sought-after answer to search friendly animation. HTML5 is a great alternative to Flash, but it does have some drawbacks, including the fact that it’s only supported by about 1/2 of browsers. (Advocates of HTML5 aren’t concerned by this, seeing as how it’s the exciting technology of the future, whereas fans of Flash don’t feel the HTML5 adoption rate is a threat.) However, even though HTML5 doesn’t work for some older versions of Internet Explorer, its features do work for the two most popular browsers – Chrome and Firefox. When it comes to testing and implementation, HTML5 may have the upper hand. Whereas multiple HTML5 files are rendered through the browser, just one Flash file is rendered through the proprietary Adobe software, meaning bugs on a browser can immediately be fixed, whereas bugs within Adobe must be fixed within the Flash plug-in. One place where HTML5 has yet to steal the show is in the gaming industry. It still has some limitations compared to the robust and higher-end animation that Flash has to offer. If Flash is to remain dominant in the video game industry, there will need to be continuous improvements to keep up with the advances of HTML5. Our key take-a-way? Right now, there’s a place for both Flash and HTML5. We see HTML5 as a great replacement for simple animations and sites built on WordPress, whereas Flash still works well for those on .NET.