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Blog Entry
Acid2 Test Suite
Published on the 16th of March 2005
We've all heard it already, but Microsoft is preparing the next version of their web browser Internet Explorer 7. In the past, Microsoft has always promised interoperable with other browsers, but has failed every promise. Even with Microsoft's bad reputation among web developers, Microsoft has seemed to involve web developers more in this project that before.
They've already asked in the Internet Explorer web blog (external link) which standards web developers think need to be included in IE7. Developers have porn their hearts out with all the standards that IE needs to support. Among the masses this ones appear frequently:
- Better DOM Support
- Complete CSS 2.1 Support
- PNG Support (Including Alpha Transparency)
- Fix Box Model
- Scalable Vector Graphic Support
Although the complete list is extremely long, this one seems to sum it up pretty good.
Some people may remember the first acid test developed by Todd Fahrner in 1997, which was instrumental in ensuring interoperability between browsers in their CSS1 implementations. Acid2 is similar in it's purpose, but to ensure CSS2.1 compatibility.
Acid2 was prepared by WaSP (external link) (Web Standards Project) and a challenge to Microsoft. All Microsoft needs to do is make sure IE7 passes the Acid2 test before shipping, and half the web developers will be pleased. I personally won't be happy until Microsoft supports standards on the level of browsers such as Opera and Firefox.
The Acid2 Test Suite isn't up online yet to see exactly what Microsoft is being forced to accept, but I'll continue to keep you up to date on the issue.
Another point I'd like to make is that Acid2 is being put together by Hakon Wium Lie, CTO of Opera Software. Since an Opera developer is going to be making Acid2 we can be sure that it will take CSS to the full extent.
Comments
-
Frans (external link) (17 Mar 2005 1:12)
On Microsoftwatch they said there was a rumour that IE would definitely support PNG completely if I'm not mistaken. And well, a rumour is better than nothing. :P
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Ethan Poole (external link) (17 Mar 2005 3:51)
I myself have been dying for PNG support as I don't really like the GIF format. But the compatibility is awful so I have to stick with GIF.
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Matt Oakes (external link) (17 Mar 2005 7:36)
if IE supported PNG prpaly then all would be good but things are being held back because of them.
Nice to see an Opera guy is making the software, IE should be more like Opera standards then.
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