Although the current HTML4 standard has been in place for over a decade, things have hardly stood still in the field of Web development.  While Microsoft’s Internet Explorer remains the dominant browser, newer browsers are gaining ground, thanks to their faster speeds, cleaner designs, better support for mobile devices, and closer adherence to the W3C standards.  With HTML5 and CSS3 due in 2012, Firefox, Safari, Chrome, and even IE are already releasing new versions that support many of the new features.

"It is still a bit early to nail down all of the new features of HTML5/CSS3," says Bill Hansen of Manta Technologies. In addition, because many people are using browsers that are several releases behind the state of the art, Web developers must build in fall-back plans if a user’s browser does not support a desired feature, he says.

"Nevertheless, it is time for developers to modernize their design strategies and begin planning for the widespread acceptance of the next generation of browsers," says Hansen.

With all this in mind, Manta just completed an update to its popular eBusiness for IBM i Programmers series. Students learn how to code HTML, CSS, and JavaScript using the techniques that are recommended today.  New HTML5/CSS3 Preview sections in the series point out which features are going away, which are now recommended, and what you can do to prepare for the future.

As with all Manta courses, current online customers with a license to the eBusiness for IBM i Programmers series have already received the updates.  This occurred automatically and at no additional charge as soon as the updates became available.

For more information, contact Manta at 800-40-MANTA  (800-406-2682). International customers may call 303-862-4562.  Readers are encouraged to visit the Manta website http://www.mantatech.com.