What is the difference between HTML and HTML5?
Theme: HTML Role: Front End Developer Function: Technology
Interview Question for Front-End Developer: See sample answers, motivations & red flags for this common interview question. About Front-End Developer: Creates the user interface and user experience of websites and applications. This role falls within the Technology function of a firm. See other interview questions & further information for this role here
Sample Answer
Example response for question delving into HTML with the key points that need to be covered in an effective response. Customize this to your own experience with concrete examples and evidence
- Definition: HTML (HyperText Markup Language) is the standard markup language for creating web pages. It provides the structure and content of a webpage
- Evolution: HTML5 is the latest version of HTML, introduced in 2014. It is an enhanced and more powerful version of HTML
- New Features: HTML5 introduced several new features and elements, including semantic elements (header, footer, nav), audio and video support, canvas for drawing graphics, local storage, and geolocation
- Improved Multimedia Support: HTML5 provides native support for audio and video playback without the need for third-party plugins like Flash
- Mobile-Friendly: HTML5 is designed to be mobile-friendly, with features like responsive design, touch events, and offline web applications
- Compatibility: HTML5 is backward compatible with older versions of HTML, ensuring that older web pages will still function correctly
- Improved Performance: HTML5 offers improved performance through features like asynchronous script loading, which allows scripts to load in the background without blocking page rendering
- Better Accessibility: HTML5 includes new accessibility features, such as the ability to add ARIA (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) attributes to elements, making web content more accessible to users with disabilities
- Integration with CSS3 & JavaScript: HTML5 seamlessly integrates with CSS3 and JavaScript, allowing developers to create more interactive and visually appealing web applications
- Browser Support: HTML5 is supported by all modern web browsers, including Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge. However, older browsers may have limited support for some HTML5 features
Underlying Motivations
What the Interviewer is trying to find out about you and your experiences through this question
- Technical knowledge: Assessing the candidate's understanding of HTML and HTML5 and their ability to differentiate between the two versions
- Awareness of industry trends: Determining if the candidate stays updated with the latest advancements in web development technologies
- Adaptability: Evaluating the candidate's ability to adapt to new technologies and their willingness to learn and upgrade their skills
Potential Minefields
How to avoid some common minefields when answering this question in order to not raise any red flags
- Lack of knowledge: Not being able to provide any differences between HTML and HTML5 or providing incorrect information
- Superficial knowledge: Providing only basic or general information without going into specific differences or features of HTML5
- Outdated information: Providing outdated or incorrect information about HTML5, showing a lack of awareness of recent developments in web technologies
- Inability to explain benefits: Not being able to articulate the advantages or benefits of using HTML5 over HTML, such as improved multimedia support or enhanced functionality
- Lack of practical experience: Not being able to provide examples or discuss personal experiences of working with HTML5 in real-world projects, indicating a lack of hands-on experience