Html5shiv vs Dean Edwards IE7-js vs Modernizr - which to choose?

html

polyfills

progressive-enhancement

feature-detection

byAnton Shumikhin·Oct 23, 2024

For handling HTML5 elements in older IEs (IE8 or earlier), employ HTML5shiv with a easy directive like:

<!--[if lt IE 9]>
<script src="https://cdnjs.cloudflare.com/ajax/libs/html5shiv/3.7.3/html5shiv.min.js"></script>
<!-- Because we love fossils... I mean old IEs -->
<![endif]-->

When the focus is on IE6/7 bugs and CSS quirks, Dean Edwards' IE7-js is an excellent choice. For boosting your project with feature-detection and progressive enhancement, bring in Modernizr:

<head>
  <script src="your/path/to/modernizr-custom.js"></script>
  <!-- Modernizer: the cool cousin everyone wishes they were -->
</head>

So to break down the suitors: HTML5shiv invokes HTML5 styling, IE7-js fixes legacy IE habits, Modernizr adds modern bells and whistles.

How to navigate the performance-compatibility scale

When considering older browser support, there's always a tug-of-war between enhanced compatibility and optimal performance. More polyfills mean more load. So, lean towards what's needed. HTML5shiv is lean and focused, Modernizr is extensively customizable, and IE7-js provides a voluminous yet extensive fix. Use them in concert, but be aware of the trade-off on browser performance.

Enhanced compatibility with the right pairings

If a single tool falls short, consider coupling them. The pairing of HTML5shiv and Modernizr addresses both HTML5 and feature-driven design requirements. Introduce CSS3Pie to this mix if your project demands CSS3 property support. On encountering extreme IE bugs, Dean Edwards' IE7-js can be a lifesaver (but remember, with great power comes... great loading times).

| Combination   | Great for                               |
| ------------- | ------------------------------------- |
| HTML5shiv + Modernizr | Basic HTML5 and feature detection  |
| HTML5shiv + CSS3Pie   | Stylish HTML5 elements with CSS3   |
| IE7-js + CSS3Pie      | In-depth IE6/7 fixes with style         |

From kickstart to full thrust with HTML5 Boilerplate and Initializr

Dipping toes into HTML5? The HTML5 Boilerplate provides a ready-to-go template weaving in the best practices and workarounds. Want to go one step forward? The tailored download options offered by Initializr, including Modernizr and HTML5shiv, provide an advanced boost in your HTML5 journey.

Considering the browser version for tool selection

Speaking of IE, it's crucial to zoom in on which versions you need to support. While IE7-js caters to IE6 and 7, HTML5shiv and Modernizr target the slightly less prehistoric IE8/9. Choose your patchwork wisely, keeping your website zippy and nimble. Above all, data speaks. Review your site analytics to ascertain the versions your audience uses, and craft your solution accordingly.

Learning from the rise and reign of jQuery

The supremacy of jQuery at a point spotlighted the transitory nature of library prevalence. Always factor in the future viability and community support in choosing any library. While Modernizr’'s active community suggests a robust and relevant option, the maintenance-difficult IE7-js` is a reminder to think a step ahead.

Committing to sustainable polyfill development

In terms of polyfills, sustainability is king. Integrations should be smooth, and removal or replacement in the future should be hassle-free. Opting for modular polyfills that encapsulate functionality promotes sustainability. Remember, it's about paving the way for an easy future transition from deprecated older browsers.

The sweet spot of Progressive Enhancement

Invest in progressive enhancement, where you build a basic, functional core experience, adding more layers as needed. Each discussed tool is designed to play nice with this approach. Modernizr particularly excels in this, enabling granular improvements based on individual feature detection. It's like measuring each browser for a tailored suit.

Real-world successes: Case Studies

To seal the deal, let's highlight some real-world successes:

A corporate website, needing intense legacy support, improved loading times by judiciously sequencing IE7-js after presenting "core content".
An e-commerce site leveraged HTML5Boilerplate and Modernizr to implement bespoke feature detection, which clarified the cross-browser testing process.
A design agency churned out eye-catching webpages using CSS3Pie and HTML5shiv, proving that older browsers don't necessarily mean compromising on aesthetics.