Exploring the Art of Programming SVG

I am thinking about creating a website that is similar to stackoverflow, but with the added feature of allowing answers to include drawings such as schematics. I would like to have a section in the answer form where users can create these schematics without needing any special plugins.

Is SVG technology reaching a critical mass soon (within 1-2 years), making it feasible to build a website that heavily utilizes script-run SVG as a primary feature (potentially requiring browsers like Firefox or another SVG/AJAX compliant browser)?
Can anyone recommend good resources for learning cross-platform SVG scripting, preferably using javascript?

Answer №1

Snap.svg offers a unique solution for creating vector graphics that work seamlessly across different browsers.

Answer №2

Regrettably, I am unable to provide an answer. However, I can offer three recommendations for projects worth exploring.

The first suggestion is the Lively Kernel by Dan Ingalls from Sun Labs. It showcases a Smalltalk Virtual World implemented in JavaScript using SVG. In essence, it represents the Morphic GUI framework from Squeak Smalltalk translated into JavaScript with SVG components and portions of Squeak Smalltalk integrated as well.

If you're not familiar with Smalltalk, think of it as an Operating System built in JavaScript, treating the JavaScript interpreter as the CPU, SVG as the graphics card, and the browser as the computer.

This project pushes the boundaries of JavaScript and SVG compatibility, fully functioning in Safari 3 and partially in Firefox 3, with ongoing experimentation for Internet Explorer support.

The second project worth mentioning is John Resig's Processing.js, a conversion of the Processing visualization language to JavaScript. Unlike the first project, this one relies on the <canvas> element due to issues associated with SVG. Its functionality is limited to Firefox 3.

Lastly, consider exploring Real-Time 3D in JavaScript by Useless Pickles. This project exclusively uses JavaScript, DOM, and CSS without relying on SVG, <canvas>, or Flash. Moreover, it boasts cross-browser compatibility, including support for Internet Explorer 7 and above. Extending its capabilities to 2D graphics should be relatively straightforward.

By examining these projects, you can draw inspiration and insights from individuals who have ventured into uncharted territories with JavaScript and graphics technology, gaining valuable knowledge about what is achievable and what is challenging.

In conclusion, achieving cross-browser compatibility for SVG or <canvas> may present significant challenges, but with a bit of creativity, creating cross-browser graphics without relying on SVG or <canvas> is indeed feasible.

Answer №3

SVGWeb is a useful script that enhances SVG functionality in IE by leveraging flash technology, while all other leading browsers offer native support for SVG.

http://code.google.com/p/svgweb/

Answer №4

It's highly unlikely that Internet Explorer will ever support inline SVG, despite the availability of workarounds like SilverLight and Gecko for rendering. However, there are cross-browser graphics APIs that can be used. While I have experience creating front ends using XULRunner and SVG, none of my web projects have had to accommodate IE.

When looking for resources on SVG, I often visited the SVG pages on mozilla.org and referenced this SVG DOM reference. All my SVG links can be found on delicious.

If you're looking for an existing editor, you can check out . Alternatively, if you just need simple schematics with grid-aligned arcs, divs and images can achieve this without using SVG. You could also opt for a more straightforward approach as detailed here.

Answer №5

In reference to @jwmittag's statement, one possible option is using the <canvas> element.

This method has been proven to work in Safari and Firefox 3, Opera 9, and there are ongoing efforts to add support for Internet Explorer as well (source).

One advantage of this approach is the ability to easily capture mouse clicks related to the current tool and its properties, while also redrawing the canvas upon each page display.

I recently completed a project that utilized the <canvas> element, and found it to be a straightforward and highly effective API, especially for those with experience in OpenGL or Cairo programming.

Best of luck with your project - it certainly sounds like an exciting endeavor!

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