WWW: Beyond the Basics

13. HTML Origins, Owners, Good Practices

by Pris Sears

ABSTRACT

There are many worthy documents available on learning and authoring HTML. This is not one of them, although there are guidelines on what are good HTML practices. This chapter attempts to detail the history and original intent of HTML, how commercial interests have fragmented the device independence that is so critical to HTML, where HTML tags come from, how an HTML author can ensure documents are readable by all users, and how an individual can get involved in adding to the HTML specifications.

HTML, when used properly, can allow anyone in the world to share information with anyone else in the world that has a connection to the Internet and a Web browser. The future of HTML is in the hands of each individual author's dedication to using markup that is not dependent on a particular operating system or Web browser.

CHAPTER CONTENT

  1. Introduction
  2. Origins
    1. Origin Of HTML
    2. What HTML Is And Is Not
    3. Timeline For The Evolution Of HTML
  3. Owners - The Factions That Vie For Control Of HTML
    1. CERN and NCSA
    2. W3C
    3. IETF
    4. Netscape
    5. Microsoft
    6. HTML Authors
  4. Good Practices
    1. HTML Good Practices - How To Ensure Everyone Can Get Your Information
    2. How Non-Standard HTML Can Be Harmful
    3. Standard HTML Tags From HTML 1.0 And 2.0
  5. Nonstandard HTML
    1. Netscape Additions To HTML 2.0
    2. Netscape Additions To HTML 3.0
    3. Netscape Tables
    4. Netscape Frames
    5. Miscellaneous Other Netscape Additions
    6. Microsoft additions
  6. How To Get Involved In Adding To HTML Specifications
  7. Conclusion
  8. References

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Copyright © 1996 Pris Sears, All Rights Reserved

Pris Sears <sears@vt.edu>