What is HTML?
HTML stands for HyperText Markup Language. It is the standard language used to create and design the structure of web pages.
While HTML4 served web developers for many years, HTML5 came in as its modern replacement. If you’re learning web development or maintaining websites, understanding the key differences between HTML4 and HTML5 is important.
Difference b/w HTML4 & HTML5
HTML4 was released in 1997.
It introduced better support for styles and scripting but had limitations for multimedia content, form controls, and device compatibility.
- Released: 1997
- Focus: Structuring content
- Limitation: Relies on external plugins (like Flash) for multimedia
HTML5 was introduced in 2014.
It’s designed for modern web development: responsive sites, apps, games, and interactive content.
- Released: 2014
- Focus: Multimedia, mobile compatibility, API support
- No need for Flash or third-party plugins for video/audio
HTML4 vs. HTML5: Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | HTML4 | HTML5 |
|---|
| Release Year | 1997 | 2014 |
| Multimedia Support | Limited, uses plugins | Built-in <video> & <audio> tags |
| Graphics Support | No <canvas> element | Supports <canvas> & SVG |
| Form Controls | Basic | New inputs like email, date, range |
| Mobile Optimization | Not designed for it | Responsive and mobile-friendly |
| Semantic Elements | No | Introduced <header>, <footer>, <article> |
| APIs | Limited | Geolocation, Local Storage, Web Workers |
Key Advantages of HTML5 Over HTML4
Simpler Code: Cleaner, shorter, and more meaningful structure
Better Forms: Enhanced form input types with validation
Multimedia Support: Native video and audio without plugins
Mobile-First: Designed keeping smartphones and tablets in mind
Improved Accessibility: Semantic elements help screen readers
Should You Still Use HTML4?
In 2025, HTML4 is considered outdated. Almost all browsers, CMS platforms, and frameworks focus on HTML5. It’s recommended to always use HTML5 for new projects.
Conclusion:
While HTML4 played a big role in the early web, HTML5 is now essential for creating fast, secure, and responsive websites. Whether you’re building a personal blog, business website, or web app, HTML5 offers everything modern development requires.
