A quantum leap in Web graphics is about to happen. A new technology being worked on at the W3C called SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics) will bring the rich, compelling, high-resolution graphics that we all have come to expect in printed catalogs and magazines to the Web.
Today's two most commonly used graphics formats on the Web (GIF and JPEG) are both pixel-based, and as we've all probably seen, loose quality when you try to zoom. SVG is entirely based on XML, takes up less space than the average GIF and JPEG, and because of its vector-based nature it has the same high quality when it is displayed on handhelds with limited screen real-estate, as when it is displayed on high-end monitors (even TVs), or when it is printed out on paper.
This page will first cover the exciting functionality that SVG brings to the
Web, then discuss in the chapters the advantages of being an XML-based graphics
format, and then finally some words and predictions about the future of SVG.
What is SVG?
SVG, or Scalable Vector Graphics, is a language for describing vector
graphics in
XML. It is a platform for two-dimensional graphics. It has two parts: an
XML-based file format and a programming API for graphical applications. Key
features include shapes, text and embedded raster graphics, with many
different painting styles. It supports scripting and has comprehensive
support for animation.
SVG is used in many business areas including Web graphics, animation,
user interfaces, graphics interchange, print and hardcopy output, mobile
applications and high-quality design. SVG is a royalty-free vendor-neutral
open standard developed under the W3C Process. It has strong industry
support, there is a broad range of support in many authoring tools and SVG
viewers are deployed to over 100 million desktops.
With SVG, you can code graphics directly into an XML document. For
more information about SVG, click
here
Benefits of SVG
Compatibility
SVG is text based and works seamlessly with
current Web technologies like HTML, GIF, JPEG, PNG, SMIL, ASP, JSP, and
JavaScript.
Quality
Graphics created in SVG can be scaled without loss
of quality across various platforms and devices. SVG can be used on the Web, in
print and even on portable devices while retaining full quality.
Portability
SVG files can be edited and created using any text editor. The SVG files are
very small compared to any other vector formats. Its size is equivalent to its
text.
Why use SVG?
To Web developers, SVG will look and feel very
familiar, thanks to its roots in XML. SVG is text based; therefore, coding
techniques can be learned by leveraging the work
(or code) of
others. This drastically reduces the overall learning curve.
Where will it be used?
SVG will be used mainly to hopefully replace Macromedia Flash MX, but it
is too early to tell yet. Currently, SVG may be used to replace the usage of
GIF because SVG has basic animations and a very low file size than GIF.
QUIZ: LEARN SVG - CHAPTER 1
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CHAPTER 2: SVG DOCUMENT STRUCTURE
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