The fifth version of the markup language HTML, standardized as HTML5, is used to structure & present content for WWW (World Wide Web). HTML5 is also one of the core technologies of the internet. As of present, HTML5 is under testing phase and will have to be updated on a computer as soon as the final phase is released. Though no installation of additional software is required to enjoy the benefits of HTML5, it must be used by every consumer who wants correct display of web pages on his/her computer. Since HTML5 is a recent phenomenon to have hit the computing world, there are many who are still not aware about its usage pattern. Here is a compilation of the pros & cons of HTML5 to help you understand the concept better.

Advantages of HTML5
1. Hardware Acceleration - This feature of HTML5 allows users to depend on the built in power of a mobile device or computer for viewing videos. This means that users do not have to depend on software like Flash to view videos anymore. In theory, it means improved performance and better user experience.

2. Open and Free - Building of apps using the HTML5 language is not only easy since the platform is open but also free of cost. This means that a developer building apps using HTML5 does not have to pay for anything.

3. Plugin Not Necessary - Plugins are considered hassles for mobile devices. In fact, a chief reason why video viewing becomes an excellent experience with HTML5 is because no plugin is required.

4. Responsive Design - HTML5 shows an advanced & responsive web application design. This means that all apps built using the HTML5 platform can resize itself to run on any type of mobile device. Whether the device is a smartphone, a tablet, or one that has a full screen, apps built with HTML5 can alter easily, thus ensuring a business unit deploying such apps exposure to the widest market possible.

5. Unified Web Presence - HTML5 helps in creating a unified web presence across devices both mobile & otherwise. This does not only mean reduced costs for an enterprise which adopts HTML5 apps but also simplicity of operations. Spending on the development of separates sites & applications, and hiring additional programmers is not required. Since back links are directed to the same place using HTML5, it assists SEO purposes.

Disadvantages of HTML5
1. Site Redesign - As stated earlier, the HTML5 version is still in its development phase. Therefore, adoption of the new structure entails redesigning of the site. However, this should not be much of a hassle as redesigning involves only updating of the existing version as opposed to adoption of a new technology.

2. Support Issues - The current version of HTML5 provides scattered file support in browsers, i.e., very poor browser support.

3. Backwards Compatibility - There are few legacy IE versions which do not support the current HTML5 standard. However, the major browsers like the recent versions of Internet Explorer have HTML5 support. Also, most users are gradually shifting to updated versions of software & hardware. So, the backward compatibility drawback can well be overlooked.

The above mentioned benefits & drawbacks of HTML5 clearly indicate that there are many reasons for users to adopt the latest HTML5 version. This will help in streamlining both the cost & the development process of a business.