Javascript framework hoping to 'save' HTML5
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Javascript framework hoping to 'save' HTML5

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Javascript framework hoping to 'save' HTML5

Not so long ago, Flash was the dominant player in multimedia Web technology. Adobe's ubiquitous plugin powered everything from video players to online games. Although Flash has fallen out of favor since the ratification of HTML5, the latest standard of the language has experienced some problems of its own. However, according to ReadWrite, a new Javascript framework hopes to breathe new life into HTML5 and allow developers to leverage the power of the standard and enrich user experience at the same time.

Another tool in the box
One of the drawbacks of Flash was the need for users to download and install a plugin to enable Flash-based content in their browser. HTML5 aimed to rectify this by enabling Web developers to code such content directly into the structure of webpages. However, not everyone took to HTML5 as readily as some may have hoped - but that could soon change, thanks to Famo.us, a new Javascript framework.

"The premise of Famo.us is, 'What if we made a rendering engine and an animation engine, and did it in JavaScript?'" said Steve Newcomb, founder and CEO of Famo.us. "JavaScript is turned on by default in all browsers. It's available without an install or plugin. There's no problem with Apple, Google, or anyone else liking or disliking it, because JavaScript is just everywhere."

Unlocking the potential of the Web
HTML5 is the most versatile standard of the venerable language to date. However, the demands of modern users and the complexities inherent in providing them with the sophisticated experiences they expect through the traditional Document Object Model mean that, unfortunately, native HTML5 apps can be a little sluggish. According to InfoWorld, this is where Famo.us comes in.

Sure, there are already dozens of Javascript frameworks out there, but what sets Famo.us itself apart from the likes of Node and Backbone is that Famo.us completely replaces the browser's rendering engine with its own, enabling the framework to handle complex tasks such as rendering 3D graphics with ease. The framework also leverages the power of CSS' 3D transformation functions for the purposes of GPU acceleration.

Javascript frameworks are just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to the latest Web technologies. If you're ready to roll your sleeves up and dive into the exciting world of Web development, sign up for HTML training through the American Graphics Institute and help shape the future of the Internet.

About the author

Christopher Smith is president of American Graphics Institute. He is the co-author of Adobe Creative Cloud for Dummies and more than 10 other books on design and digital publishing. He served as publisher and editor of the Digital Classroom book series, which has sold more than one million books on topics relating to InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, After Effects, Premiere Pro and other Creative Cloud apps. At American Graphics Institute, he provides strategic technology consulting to marketing professionals, publishers designers, and large technology companies including Google, Apple, Microsoft, and HP. An expert on web analytics and digital marketing, he also delivers Google Analytics classes along with workshops on digital marketing topics. Christopher did his undergraduate studies the at the University of Minnesota, and then worked for Quark, Inc. prior to joining American Graphics Institute where he has worked for more than 20 years.