Using the WWW Test Pattern to check HTML client compliance

Abstract

The World Wide Web Test Pattern is a Web site that was conceived as a general-purpose test bench so that users and developers can check for HTML compliance. While still under construction, it already includes a standard suite of tests for text, audio, graphics, meta-links, animations, forms and tables. The URL is http://www.uark.edu/∼wrg/. There is a tiled background to the WWW Test Pattern home page, which is rendered correctly by Netscape Version 1.2.b2 but not rendered at all by NCSA Mosaic Version 2.0.0b4. There can be gradations of compliance. Some of the tests are passive-the user merely loads the test document and views the result. Other tests require direct user involvement. Audio files provide a case in point because, unlike in-line image files, which are automatically displayed, audio files require an action on the user's part to be played. Most modern clients include user-configurable launch pads, so over time, the importance of the distinction between integrated and spawnable perusers will vanish. As it develops, the Web Test Pattern will attempt to include as rich a variety of media as there is on the Web, thereby enabling both users and developers to test for compliance with HTML levels.