HTML is evolving, with working groups currently designing the HTML 5 standard (including XHTML 5). A major use of PHP is in creating webpages, so the impact of HTML 5 will be felt by many PHP developers. And more widely it’s of interest to anybody who has a website for their project, company, or lolcats.

So this talk gets you up to speed with HTML ‒ providing an introduction to those who know little or nothing about HTML 5, and explanations to those who’ve heard some of the rumours and flamewars erupting about it. It answers questions such as:

• Why is there a need for HTML 5?
• What changes will HTML 5 bring? Can I ignore it?
• Who is behind HTML 5? Can I get involved?
• When will it affect me? Is there PHP support for it?
• How can I find out more?

Various brand new features in HTML 5 each get a quick mention, so you’re aware of them and know what to look for to find out more. But this talk isn’t
a detailed examination of bits of HTML 5 syntax ‒ that would be quite boring, and is much better done by perusing the docs.

The talk also covers the various controversies so far encountered in designing HTML 5, highlights some of the hard problems that need addressing, and takes a brief look at the process of creating the HTML 5 standard.