We have an announcement to make: whether you like it or not, Flash is basically dead by this point. Or rather, it will officially have its plug pulled by December 31, 2020. If you need a refresher about why Flash is dying, we wrote a blog post all about the software last year.
Flash unfortunately falls into the category of software that is completely outdated and no longer becoming functional…which is why it’s so baffling to us to see that some business websites are still using it! The percentage now is lower than previous stats, but…still.
It’s the end of an era for sure, and we want to see your company’s website come out on the other side of it and carry on into the future. If you still want to use something along the lines of Adobe Flash (without giving up your site’s security and safety as a result), here’s what you need to use for your business’s website instead.
- HTML5
This is the standard that all websites and even browsers are conforming to for future usage. HTML5, or hyper text markup language, is the fifth version of the code that is the structure of all websites on the world wide web. It is virtually the code that describes your business site’s web pages. To date, it’s the most advanced language used to create content and ensure it’s both usable and visible across all websites and accessible on any conceivable computing device.
Google, YouTube, and many other websites and search engines have already implemented HTML5 as a means to play video content, load websites and other web content fast, and ensure users are kept safe and secure while accessing this content online.
- Javascript
Javascript is a programming language that is also constantly being kept up to date. It allows for sites to load and enact more complex features on the pages, such as interactive maps on Google, two or three-dimensional graphics, and anything that may move or otherwise change on the screen without you having to reload the web page you’re currently visiting. Web developers typically rely on Javascript for any animated or automated action.
- CSS3
CSS3, or Cascading Style Sheets Level 3, is the latest version of the computing language that’s typically used to help a website look good. This language is what formats and styles the web page, used in sync with HTML5 to create good content structure. CSS is responsible for all of the colours, gradients, font properties, and several other graphical elements you typically see on a website.
This is the kind of language that’s appealing to most web designers, because it’s all about creating sites that are content rich without using bulky amounts of code. Previously, some interactive features on a site couldn’t be accessed without a lot of education on coding and vast experience with HTML. Now, CSS3 allows the use of designs to provide simple, clean, fast, and accessible pages without having to give up a good appearance.
Three is Better than One
When Flash was initially introduced, it was the standard for creating and designing a website’s content. Naturally many are clinging onto it because to get rid of it means getting rid of a significant piece of Internet history. This is especially true in regards to the more creative and even wacky side of Flash, such as music, cartoons, games, and many other sources of entertainment we couldn’t help but replay. That being said, if your business is more inclined towards more serious growth in both your profession and industry as a whole, and you’re less of an artsy business and more focused on lasting past 2020, then it’s best to get a website that consists of these three substitutes.
A great website actually relies on all three of these languages for the best results. HTML and CSS work together to create the form, function, and performance of a website, while Javascript is used to deliver the optimal user experience across all the different devices and browsers. Put them all together, and you’ve got not only a beautiful looking website, but a highly usable one that customers will be happy to visit time and again.
Get the Professionals to Help You Migrate
If your business’s website is still clinging to Flash, it’s time to let go…we’re sorry, it was great while it lasted, but all good things must come to an end. That includes obsolete technology and computer language. Think of letting Flash go this way: you’ll be getting a website that loads faster, functions faster, and becomes a great deal more user-friendly once newer aspects and tech have been programmed and installed.
If you need professional help to migrate to newer formatting, or you need a new website to support the latest tech for interactive features, give our team at V3 a call. We’ve been around since Flash was originally introduced…you can trust us to help you every step of the way to getting a new website and a brighter future for your company’s online success.