Flash vs HTML

[Jeremy Foster]

On Mon, 8 Apr 2002 Thomas Dowling  wrote:
> These statements reinforce a misconception that Flash is, in some way, a 
> step beyond HTML, something better than HTML, something that performs the 
> same function but at a 5-star rather than a 3-star level.
> 
> That is not true, and this sort of argument is what raises the hackles of 
> web designers who have to field "let's make a Flash version!" 

But it is true in a way.... If HTML could preform all the functions of Flash..we would not need to use Flash.. but currently it does not!

So Flash represents a direction that the mainstream wants the web to work towards. In return you get technologies that appear in web standards such as, Style Sheets, DHTML, SMIL, SVG, etc...

This allows us true web developers that want to only use HTML standards a way of using simmillar functions as flash on our sites with-out depending on a third party plug-in.

But the sad fact is.. there are more people with the flash plugin then people with browsers that support the new HTML standards.

In the end it comes down to your target market and what you want to accomplish. As stated, Flash can work well in it's set boundries, but should never be used as an only option.

The best practice is to use the HTML standard spec.


Jeremy Foster
HRL Webmaster
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