|
A little History
BitWare Solutions wrote its first adaptive JavaScript, autoSize.js,
back in 2002 when the 1024 by 768 monitors were approaching the
popularity of the 800 by 600 monitors. The original VGA, 640 by 480,
monitors were all but extinct and the 1280 by 1024 monitors were
just beginning to catch hold. The first script was limited to
three hard coded CSS files for small, medium, and large screens.
By 2008 the 1024 monitors were beginning to lose ground to the
1280’s and the wide screen monitors were just beginning to gain in
popularity. We renamed the script, added support for up to ten CSS
files based on the width of the browser window, made the
breakpoints programmable, and added support for browser type,
font size, language, and a user defined custom setting.
PS: We also implemented Variable Image Sizing. As the width of
the page decreases, this image will adapt to the new page
dimensions.
What About Now?
The world of computer browsing and website design is changing
rapidly. The old 4 by 3 monitors are quickly becoming antiques.
Everyone is now buying the High Definition 16 by 9 screens for their
home PCs, and most are viewing the web using a variable sized
browser window instead of full screen. The use of smart phones and
tablets is also growing at an ever increasing pace.
We are currently working on a script change that will redefine the
"B", browser, variable to indicate the browser type instead of the
browser manufacturer. It will have four values for screen, phone,
tablet, and unknown. As you read about Variable HTML you will see
how the variables can be used independently or in combination to
select the proper CSS file(s) to display your website.
|
