WHATWG

Web Hypertext Application Technology Working Group
AbbreviationWHATWG
Formation4 June 2004; 20 years ago (2004-06-04)
PurposeDeveloping web standards
Membership
Apple Inc., Google LLC, Microsoft Corporation, Mozilla Corporation[1]
Main organ
Steering Group
Websitewhatwg.org

The Web Hypertext Application Technology Working Group (WHATWG) is a community of people interested in evolving HTML and related technologies. The WHATWG was founded by individuals from Apple Inc., the Mozilla Foundation and Opera Software, leading Web browser vendors in 2004.[2][3]

WHATWG is responsible for maintaining multiple web-related technical standards, including the specifications for the HyperText Markup Language (HTML) and the Document Object Model (DOM).[4][5] The central organizational membership and control of WHATWG – its "Steering Group" – consists of Apple, Mozilla, Google, and Microsoft. WHATWG community members work with the editor of the specifications to ensure correct implementation.[6]

  1. ^ "Steering Group Agreement – WHATWG". whatwg.org. WHATWG.
  2. ^ "FAQ – What is the WHATWG?". WHATWG. 12 February 2010. Retrieved 24 February 2010.
  3. ^ Reid, Jonathan (2015). "1 - Welcome to HTML5". HTML5 Programmer's Reference. Apress. pp. In section "A Brief History of HTML" -- "The Formation of the WHATWG and the Creation of HTML5". ISBN 9781430263678. Retrieved 2 December 2015.
  4. ^ Cohen, Nancy; Xplore, Tech. "W3C and WHATWG agreement: Single version of HTML, DOM specifications". techxplore.com. Retrieved 19 May 2023.
  5. ^ "Alliance gives HTML a stronger future after decade-long struggle to control the web's core tech". CNET. Retrieved 19 May 2023.
  6. ^ "FAQ – How does the WHATWG work?". WHATWG. 22 November 2012. Retrieved 1 January 2013. If necessary, controversies are resolved by the Steering Group with members appointed from the organizations that develop browser engines, as a backstop to ensure the editor's judgment aligns with what they will implement.