Improve load times of webpages that have many additional include files.
For instance many websites now include JavaScript libraries that are only included to enhance the interfaces but are not needed for the body portion to be presented. Other websites include a list of CSS files that can be switched too after the main one is loaded.
2. What is the feature you are suggesting to help solve it?
We could let authors choose which parts are not crucial to the main body, and can be saftely loaded / run after the page has been displayed.
This could be done by having at <foot> section, after the body section:
- Code: Select all
<html>
<head><!-- Essential parts needed for page --></head>
<body><!-- Essential display parts --></body>
<foot>
<!-- Enhancements to display -->
</foot>
</html>
(It also has a pleasing symmetry about it...)
3. What is the processing model for that feature, including error handling?
<head> is read, <body> is read. Browser then deduces how to display the information. <foot> is read and interface changes accordingly.
I believe most older browsers would just append the foot section to the body's DOM, and therefore pages will still act the same as before.
4. Why do you think browsers would implement this feature?
Better speed for displaying of content, with minimal extra effort.
5. Why do you think authors would use this feature?
Better speed for displaying of content, and better control of when javascript (and the like) will be implemented by browsers.
6. What evidence is there that this feature is desparately needed?
Little, but the number of javascript includes is ever rising.
The eventual adoption of HTML5 by web designers and increasing use of the canvas element over such things as flash will obviously increase the use of javascript and their libraries (jQuery, prototype etc.)