Page 190 - DCAP512_WAP_AND_WML

WAP & WML

Notes problem with small screens is partially solved by providing the user with the ability to zoom in
and out of pages. This led to the gradual shift from WML to HTML.
Today WML is rarely used and often just as an alternative to a main page. Smartphones, and
even ordinary feature phones, now have the ability to view websites just like as you would on
a computer; albeit, on a much smaller screen.

Notes WML is used on phones while HTML is used for desktop clients. HTML requires a
lot more processing power than WML. WML is no longer used as much as HTML

WAP/WML HTML
Markup language for wireless communication Markup language for wired communication
Makes use of variables Does not use variables
WML script stored in a separate file Javascript is embeded in the same HTML file
Images stored as WBMP Images are stored as GIF, JPEG or PNG
WBMP is a 2 bit image Size of the images are much larger in HTML
Case sensitive Not case sensitive
WML has fewer tags than HTML HTML has more tags than WML
A set of 'WML Cards' make a 'DECK' A set of 'HTML pages' make a 'SITE'

Self Assessment

Fill in the blanks:
1. WML is the wireless equivalent of HTML for the ……………………...

2. A Web server may generate WML content for ……………………... devices or it may
simply dish out HTML (XML).
3. WML browsers are stricter than HTML browsers by not being tolerant of …………………….
4. WML strives to be a more viable ……………………... by stripping out the unneeded
features of HTML.
5. The most apparent difference between WML and HTML source files is the concept of WML
cards and the ……………………... tag.
6. ……………………... lacks variable assignments, control flow statements, and conditionals.
7. Validating form data in the browser saves ……………………... over the alternative of
sending data to the server for validation.
8. WML is rarely used and often just as an alternative to a ……………………...

13.3 How to Write for both Languages

The goal of markup languages is to present information across many different systems. Most
Web development languages today use markup languages in some fashion. With markup
languages, text, tables, images, and user navigation display in a consistent manner. The type of
platform that receives the information does not matter.
WML is a markup language and, like other markup languages, it works on several platforms.
WML is also compact, working quickly and efficiently. These attributes make WML a perfect
language for WAP development.

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