Joke Explainer
Explains why a joke is funny with historical contexts.
How do you tell HTML from HTML5? - Try it out in Internet Explorer - Did it work? - No? - It's HTML5.
Explain the Joke:
The humor in this joke comes from the notorious reputation that Internet Explorer (IE) had for poor performance and lack of support for modern web standards, particularly those introduced in HTML5.
HTML vs. HTML5: HTML is the standard markup language for creating web pages, while HTML5 is the latest version that introduces new features and elements to enhance the structure and functionality of web pages.
Internet Explorer's Reputation: Internet Explorer, especially older versions, was infamous for not supporting many modern web standards that other browsers like Chrome, Firefox, and Safari adopted more quickly and efficiently.
The Punchline: The joke suggests that if a web feature doesn't work in Internet Explorer, it is likely because it uses HTML5, which IE struggled to fully support. This highlights the browser's shortcomings in a humorous way.
Historical Context:
Internet Explorer was one of the earliest web browsers and was extremely popular during the late 1990s and early 2000s. However, over time, it became known for being slow and incompatible with new web technologies. This led to a widespread perception that IE was a subpar browser compared to its competitors.
Popular References:
- Internet Explorer: The joke plays on the well-known issues with IE, which became a frequent subject of internet memes and jokes.
- HTML5: Released in 2014, HTML5 brought significant advancements in web development, including support for audio and video embedding, graphics, and more robust document structure.
Subject Domain Knowledge:
- Web Development: To fully appreciate the joke, some basic understanding of web development and the evolution of web standards is helpful. Knowing that HTML5 introduced many new features that older browsers (like Internet Explorer) struggled with provides context to the humor.
Approach with Sensitivity:
- Tech Preferences: While the joke pokes fun at Internet Explorer, it's important to recognize that some users may have had no choice but to use it due to workplace requirements or compatibility reasons. The joke targets the software's limitations rather than its users.
By understanding these elements, the humor in the joke becomes more evident. The punchline is a playful dig at Internet Explorer's infamous lag in adopting new web standards, encapsulating a common frustration among web developers in a light-hearted manner.