subject: Flash vs. HTML [print this page] Flash vs. HTMLFlash vs. HTML
What Exactly is HTML?
HTML is very easy to use and this is the main reason why it became popular so fast. HTML, unlike many computer languages did not require learning an entirely new way of thinking and most people could learn it easily. This is mainly due to the fact that HTML is not actually computer programming and it is not considered a "programming language". HTML is essentially a formatting language in its basic form. But, remaining on the basics did not last for long however. As the HTML language grew it started breeding and changing. First it picked up XML and now it can be joined with several other actual programming languages like Java and Perl to create wonderfully interactive websites.
Website in Flash vs. Pure HTML Website
What exactly is the difference between Flashwebsite building and HTML website building? The main difference is that HTML cannot be interactive on its own, while Flash allows interactivity without limits. With Flash you can even make a website to behave like a cartoon! Who doesn't like all those nice text and photo fade effects, scrolling up and down, animations and sounds? Lets take for example if you want to create a text box on your contact form. If you have to hand-write this code it will look something like this:
Enter your comments here...
Of course the actual size will vary but it will take you at least several minutes to write those four lines of code. If you want your text box to be scrolling or rolling you cannot do this in HTML. You will have to use Javascript and incorporate that into your HTML. That is HTML website building. With websites done in Flash it is a whole different story. Flash uses its own action script and with it you can achieve any kind of effect you desire.
Best of Both Worlds
Like mentioned above, Flash offers you many possibilities to create a dynamic and fun web presentation. Learning to program in Flash is a daunting task however, and it will consume a lot of time. With free website builder on the other hand, you will be able to do achieve the interactivity you desire on your website without even being a programmer. The Wix website builder uses a drag and drop interface.
And the best part? You can include HTML widgets on your Flash website, so you can get the best of both worlds: Flash' impressive visual appeal, and the functionality of HTML. It's a match made in heaven.