75% of Developers Using HTML5: Survey

Evans Data has a new survey that tells us something we already knew: Developers are flocking to HTML5.

Indeed, Evans Data's latest Global Development Survey indicates that although the HTML5 standard is still a work in progress, software developers are already committed to it. The survey of more than 1,200 developers conducted worldwide in November and December 2011 showed current use of HTML at 43 percent in North America; 39 percent in the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region; and an even greater 58 percent in the Asia Pacific (APAC) region. Adding in planned use brought the totals to over three-quarters across the regions.

"There isn't any question about the adoption of HTML5—it's already the de facto standard" said Janel Garvin, CEO of Evans Data, in a statement. “There is special strength in HTML5 for mobile and cross-platform mobile apps, which is the direction the industry is moving for client devices, and that has made it extremely attractive to developers everywhere in the world. We see the most strength in Asia, a region that is generally quick to adopt new technologies."

The survey also showed that developers are more likely to use a stand-alone HTML5 editor in APAC and EMEA, while North Americans prefer to use the editor in their integrated development environment (IDE). When asked about importance in the development cycle, HTML5 came in 20 percent higher on average across regions than either Flash or Silverlight.

HTML5 has caught on quickly with developers, and vendors are providing support for it in their core products. Microsoft has embraced HTML5 for its Internet Explorer browser and Windows 8 operating system. And Adobe in November announced plans to halt development of Flash for mobile browsers. In its explanation for the change in direction, Adobe cited the popularity of HTML5.

In a Nov. 9 blog post, Danny Winokur, vice president and general manager of interactive development at Adobe, said:

"However, HTML5 is now universally supported on major mobile devices, in some cases exclusively. This makes HTML5 the best solution for creating and deploying content in the browser across mobile platforms. We are excited about this, and will continue our work with key players in the HTML community, including Google, Apple, Microsoft and RIM, to drive HTML5 innovation they can use to advance their mobile browsers."

The Evans Data Global Development Survey series is conducted worldwide twice a year.  The current survey includes sections on Platform Use and Migration, Agile Development, Embedded Systems, Cloud Development, Mobile Development, Distribution Channels, Security, Technology Adoption and more.