The Modularization of XHTML

keeping an eye on the future

[tedster]

I try to keep an eye out for where we may be headed. While most of us spend our time wrestling with HTML 3.2 or transitional HTML 4.0, the W3C has moved on through strict HTML 4.0, XHTML 1.0. and now the "modularization" of XHTML. This is from their latest proposed recommendation (Feb 22, 2001):

"Over the last couple of years, many specialized markets have begun looking to HTML as a content language. There is a great movement toward using HTML across increasingly diverse computing platforms. Currently there is activity to move HTML onto mobile devices (hand held computers, portable phones, etc.), television devices (digital televisions, TV-based web browsers, etc.), and appliances (fixed function devices). Each of these devices has different requirements and constraints.

Modularizing XHTML provides a means for product designers to specify which elements are supported by a device using standard building blocks and standard methods for specifying which building blocks are used."

Full Reference [w3.org]

[gmiller]

While we're on the subject, I thought I'd mention that WAP 2.0 is apparently going to be based on XHTML Basic and HTTP (no more custom protocols and document formats that nobody else supports).

[tedster]

Thanks very much for that one, gmiller.

I thought something like this was developing - it cetainly makes sense - but I couldn't authenticate my suspicions.