Does Internet Explorer 8 support HTML 5?

JavaScript and polyfills: Handy tools for HTML5 in IE8

There's a lack of native HTML5 support in IE8, but this old dog can learn new tricks, with some help. Let's turn HTML5 into a chewable bone for IE8 using JavaScript workarounds and HTML5 polyfills.

JavaScript with createElement() method

While IE8 lacks the wizardry of modern browsers, a JavaScript workaround using document.createElement() can trick it into recognizing HTML5 elements. They'll feel like old friends and even wear the CSS styles you assign them.

document.createElement('section');
document.createElement('article');
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These HTML5 elements say: "No native recognition? No problem, we've got a JavaScript disguise."

Forging HTML5 support with Polyfills

Polyfills act as emergency patches to make up for what HTML5 in IE8 lacks. Html5shiv helps IE8 recognize and correctly style HTML5 semantic elements. For multimedia elements, using the mediaelement.js library provides a makeshift stage for audio and video elements in IE8.

Going the extra mile: Achieving full compatibility

To create an inclusive user experience, including for IE8 users, is a big challenge. However, there are ways to make HTML5 not feel like alien territory to IE8.

Mastering the Art of Graceful Degradation

We can adapt content delivery based on browser capabilities using feature detection libraries like Modernizr. This serves a customized picture of web pages based on what colors each individual browser can see.

IE Conditional Comments

IE's ears are tuned to catch conditional comments. They allow us to whisper IE-specific CSS or JavaScript code to our old friend IE8, helping it mingle with the other modern browsers.

CSS Fallback: Plan B for Styles

Finally, we can lace our code with style fallbacks. IE8 may not follow every new CSS3 trend, but implementing CSS fallbacks ensures our page still looks presentable, like swapping a bow tie for a regular tie when formal dress isn't recognized.