HTML5 is the latest version of HTML, the standard language for building web pages. It was introduced in 2008 by the Web Hypertext Application Technology Working Group (WHATWG) and later adopted by the W3C. The work was largely built upon earlier efforts led by Tim Berners-Lee, who also invented the World Wide Web. HTML5 added features like video playback, local storage, and new semantic tags – making web development more powerful and flexible. If you are applying for a front-end role, you will likely face HTML5 interview questions. This blog covers 25+ key ones with clear answers.
Fun Fact – HTML5 is used by 94.5% of websites today, making it the dominant standard for web development.
Basic Level HTML5 Interview Questions for Freshers
Here is a list of common HTML5 questions for interview to help freshers understand the basics and prepare with confidence.
- What is HTML5, and how is it different from HTML4?
HTML5 is the fifth version of HTML used to structure content on the web. Unlike HTML4, it introduces semantic tags, native audio/video support, and local storage. It simplifies coding and reduces the need for external plugins like Flash.
- What are semantic elements in HTML5?
Semantic elements clearly describe their meaning. Examples include <article>, <nav>, and <header>. These help developers and browsers understand the structure of a page better.
- Name five new input types introduced in HTML5.
HTML5 added input types like:
- tel
- url
- date
- range
These types improve form usability, browser support, and basic client-side validation.
- What is the purpose of the <section> tag in HTML5?
The <section> tag groups related content. It’s used when a document has thematically connected content, like blog entries or chapters.
- How does the <article> tag differ from <div>?
<article> is used for self-contained content. A <div> is just a generic container without semantic meaning.
- What is a placeholder attribute, and how does it work?
The placeholder attribute shows temporary text in an input field. It disappears when the user starts typing.
- Can HTML5 work without a <DOCTYPE> declaration?
Technically yes, but without <!DOCTYPE html>, browsers may switch to quirks mode and render pages unpredictably.
Intermediate Level HTML5 Interview Questions
These HTML5 questions for interview focus on real-world scenarios, helping you move beyond basics and tackle practical front-end challenges.
- What is the difference between <canvas> and <svg> in HTML5?
<canvas> draws graphics with JavaScript. It’s pixel-based and good for games or dynamic visuals.
<svg> uses XML to draw shapes. It’s vector-based and great for static graphics like icons.
- How does localStorage differ from sessionStorage in HTML5?
localStorage keeps data even after closing the browser.
sessionStorage only stores data for the current session. Both store key-value pairs.
- Explain how form validation works in HTML5 without JavaScript.
HTML5 allows built-in validation using attributes like required, pattern, min, and maxlength. The browser checks input before submission.
- What is the purpose of the <progress> and <meter> tags?
<progress> shows task progress (e.g., file upload).
<meter> displays a value within a known range (e.g., disk space usage).
- How do you embed audio and video in HTML5?
Use <audio> and <video> tags with source files.
Example:
<video controls src=”file.mp4″></video>
- What are custom data attributes, and how are they used?
Attributes like data-* let you store extra data in HTML. JavaScript can access these values dynamically.
- How does HTML5 handle backward compatibility with older browsers?
Older browsers ignore unknown tags. Developers often use polyfills or JavaScript libraries to support missing features.
Advanced Level HTML5 Interview Questions for Experienced Professionals
These HTML5 interview questions and answers are designed for experienced developers.
- How does HTML5 support offline applications via the Application Cache or Service Workers?
Application Cache is deprecated. In modern HTML5, Service Workers allow offline caching. They intercept network requests and serve cached files, enabling offline access and faster reloads.
- What role do ARIA roles play in HTML5 for accessibility?
ARIA (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) roles describe UI elements to assistive technologies. For example, role=”button” tells screen readers the element behaves like a button.
- Explain how the History API is used for single-page applications.
The History API allows developers to update the browser URL using pushState() without reloading the page. It helps maintain navigation in single-page apps.
- How would you implement drag-and-drop functionality using HTML5?
HTML5 provides built-in drag-and-drop. Use attributes like draggable=”true” and JavaScript events (ondragstart, ondrop) to manage the flow.
- Describe the security concerns around using localStorage in HTML5.
localStorage is not encrypted or protected from JavaScript access. It is vulnerable to XSS, so avoid storing any private or sensitive data.
- How have you implemented HTML5 APIs like WebSockets or Geolocation in production projects?
This is one of the most important HTML5 interview questions and answers for 5 years experienced professionals.
In one project, I used the Geolocation API to fetch users’ locations for a local service listing. We requested permission using navigator.geolocation.getCurrentPosition(), then displayed results based on coordinates.
For WebSockets, I implemented real-time updates in a dashboard. It helped push stock data to the frontend without refreshing. I used native WebSocket methods and handled disconnection gracefully.
Other Important HTML5 Interview Questions
These additional HTML5 interview questions cover various topics that often come up in interviews but are easy to overlook during preparation.
HTML5 API Interview Questions
- What is the Geolocation API, and how does it work?
- How do you use the Web Storage API in HTML5?
- What is the purpose of the Web Workers API?
- How is the Canvas API used to draw graphics in HTML5?
- What is the difference between WebSockets and regular HTTP connections?
HTML and HTML5 Interview Questions
- How is the <script> tag treated differently in HTML5 compared to earlier versions?
- What changes were made to the <doctype> declaration in HTML5?
- List three deprecated tags in HTML and their HTML5 alternatives.
- How does HTML5 treat boolean attributes differently?
- What are the new global attributes introduced in HTML5?
HTML5 and CSS Interview Questions
- How do you create a responsive layout using HTML5 and CSS?
- What is the role of the viewport meta tag in mobile design?
- How do you align elements side-by-side using HTML5 and CSS?
- How would you style placeholder text in an HTML5 form?
- What is the difference between inline, internal, and external CSS with HTML5?
HTML5 and CSS3 Interview Questions
- What’s the difference between em and rem units in CSS3?
- How do CSS3 media queries work with HTML5 structure?
- What’s the use of flexbox in modern layouts with HTML5?
- How can you animate an HTML5 element using CSS3?
- What are pseudo-elements, and how are they used with HTML5 elements?
Also Read - Top 40+ HTML CSS JavaScript Interview Questions and Answers
Tips to Prepare for HTML5 Interview
Start with the basics. Practice coding. Read real questions. Think how browsers handle HTML5 behind the scenes. Here are some simple but effective tips.
- Understand core concepts – Know how HTML5 differs from earlier versions, including new tags and semantic elements.
- Practice coding by hand – Interviewers may ask you to write code without auto-complete or browser tools.
- Use browser DevTools – Learn to inspect elements, debug code, and test responsiveness.
- Revise form handling and input types – These are often tested for front-end roles.
- Review APIs – Be familiar with localStorage, Geolocation, Canvas, and WebSockets.
- Build small projects – Hands-on experience helps you recall concepts quickly in interviews.
- Stay current – Use resources like MDN to stay updated with HTML5 specifications and browser support.
Also Read - Top 50+ HTML Interview Questions and Answers
Wrapping Up
These HTML5 interview questions and answers cover everything from basics to advanced concepts. Whether you are a fresher or experienced developer, reviewing these can boost your confidence before an interview.
Looking for HTML5 job opportunities? Hirist is an online job portal for IT professionals. Find the best HTML5 jobs in India quickly and easily on Hirist.
FAQs
What is the difference between HTML and HTML5 interview questions?
Difference between HTML and HTML5 interview questions often focuses on new features in HTML5 such as semantic elements, multimedia support, form input types, and offline capabilities, which are not available in traditional HTML.
What topics should I focus on while preparing for HTML 5 interview questions?
Focus on semantic tags, HTML5 APIs, form handling, browser compatibility, accessibility (ARIA), and real-world implementation examples.
What is the average salary for HTML5 developers in India?
According to AmbitionBox, the salary of an HTML5 Developer in India ranges from ₹1 Lakh to ₹9 Lakhs for professionals with less than 1 year to 8 years of experience.
Which top companies in India hire for HTML5 roles?
Companies like TCS, Infosys, Wipro, Accenture, Cognizant, Zoho, and Freshworks regularly hire HTML5 developers for front-end or full-stack roles.
What’s the best way to answer HTML5 interview questions confidently?
Keep your answers simple and direct. Use real examples when possible. Don’t just list definitions – explain how you have used HTML5 in your projects.
