Development nuances make HTML5 an asset

Of all the coding languages available for mobile development, HTML5 form has the most to prove due to the fact that its relatively young and still evolving. For these reasons, many programmers have chosen to stick with the native approaches they know, leaving some experts to claim that HTML5 is doomed. This is simply not the case, however. HTML5 has certain capabilities that no other language has, which can make it a significant asset in enterprise mobile software creation. As mobile devices become a more essential part of business operations, it will be important for decision-makers to explore what HTML5 can offer for their software needs.

HTML5 more than meets the eye
While HTML5 may not be as explosive as languages from Apple and Google, that does not mean that it has failed. In fact, according to a VisionMobile report, HTML5 is actually being increasingly used as a backup, with 52 percent of developers stating that the language was their second option only after the major Android and iOS, TechRepublic contributor Matt Asay reported. HTML5 is also increasingly being steered away from the Web to be an asset in hybrid mobile applications. This can not only help maintain the cross-platform functionality that businesses want, but also ensure that developers are able to quickly deliver any necessary updates. In this type of hybrid environment, organizations can get the best product for their needs while still leaving room for future advancement.

"HTML5, in other words, isn't an alternative to iOS or Android," Asay wrote. "It's a perfect complement to them, or can be. Developers get true cross-platform compatibility with HTML5, allowing them to write significant chunks of their app in HTML5 and then fine-tune it for different platforms using native code."

Benefiting modern business needs
HTML5 has a significant future ahead, but many decision-makers may not understand what types of applications the language can help improve. As mobile use becomes more essential to operations, users will require constant access to documents through an application. App Developer Magazine contributor Simon Wieczner noted that by using HTML5 for mobile apps, it will provide a more capable and flexible user interface while simplifying the overall development process. HTML5 also offers easy scalability, ensuring that the software grows and evolves alongside the users.

These types of features could not be reaped from native coding alone. Using Android and iOS programming would involve the developer creating an application version for each system, which would take a significant amount of time and resources. HTML5 mitigates these needs by providing full cross-platform compatibility, which not only guarantees that each person will be supported, but that a consistent process will be communicated across employees that work with mobile devices.

"[W]hen working with documents where more time is spent reading and reviewing rather than writing or editing, the HTML5 solution works very well," Wieczner wrote. "As such, I expect the technology to play a critical role in the future of enterprise mobility in the increasingly visual world."