HTML5 and Canvas 2D specs now feature complete

The specifications for HTML5 and Canvas 2D are now feature complete, the World Web Consortium has said today.

The news means that the platform is now no longer a “moving target”, meaning developers can now be confident in working on a standardised platform.

HTML5 is designed as an open platform for development on multiple browsers, with the idea to create a standard language and reduce browser fragmentation with a platform that can be used by everyone.

Despite finalising its specifications and standards, HTML5 must still go through a number of implementation tests on browsers, authoring tools, e-mail clients, servers, content management systems and other web tools before it can become a full W3C standard.

This process will not be finalised till mid-2014, after which the W3C expects to publish the final HTML5 recommendation.

"The broader the reach of Web technology, the more our stakeholders demand a stable standard," said W3C CEO Jeff Jaffe.

"As of today, businesses know what they can rely on for HTML5 in the coming years, and what their customers will demand. Likewise, developers will know what skills to cultivate to reach smart phones, cars, televisions, ebooks, digital signs, and devices not yet known."

The World Web Consortium has also announced the first draft of HTML5.1 and Canvas 2D Level 2 to provide an early view of the next round of standardisation, which includes continued work on extensions to complement built-in HTML5 accessibility, responsive images and adaptive streaming.