I remember the time when Flash elements were present on almost every web page. And no wonder, when Flash was introduced the Internet was running on HTML and CSS. These technologies were extremely limited. So Flash came to rescue the situation and provided enormous capabilities for animation, interaction, and implementation of mixed media resources. So what happened to it? And why are we told to avoid it?
Once upon a time, Flash was at the cutting edge of web design. By 2010 76% of video content on the web was in Flash. However, the Internet continued to progress, but Flash lagged behind.
The major issue with Adobe Flash is that it is 100% proprietary. It means if there any security hole detected or simple improvement required, we have to wait for Adobe to release an update or patch. Additionally, the technology wasn’t supported on mobile devices or Macs. Moreover, Flash required a dedicated plug-in to be downloaded and installed by a user. The later poses even more dangers for the user.
Even today, a great deal of online media requires Adobe Flash. I likely happened to you: you open a web page and you see a message saying that Adobe Flash in outdated or not installed. “Click here to install the plugin” – and you did. It is one of the most trending traps arranged by cyber criminals. Instead of the plugin needed, a malicious software would be installed on your computer. And then you would need to contact your local computer repair service to rule out the consequences.
Today, HTML5 offers overwhelming functionality, does not requires additional installation, and functions on leading majority of platforms and Internet browsers. There is an option for you to avoid Adobe Flash entirely. And if we were you, we would. Next time you see the message asking you to download Flash, close the page and seek for another resource.