NOTE : This is an abridged version of the 'What is the HTML Reference Library?' page. For the full details, check the full details page. (NOTE : That link is an external link to the more up-to-date HTMLib details page.)

The HTML Reference Library (HTMLib) is a Windows HLP file (available in Windows 3.x and Windows 95 versions) which details with numerous screenshots and example code, how all currently useable HTML elements can be employed for the creation of Web pages.

Currently it directly supports (i.e. describes elements supported by) Microsoft's Internet Explorer, Netscape Navigator and NCSA Mosaic (Windows 95 versions - no account is made for cross-platform differences). It should be noted that it doesn't cover any operating system differences.

Below is a mini FAQ for the HTMLib

  1. What is the most current version of the HTMLib?
  2. Is the HTMLib available in any other format?
  3. Why are the download files so big?
  4. Will the HTMLib be updated to reflect the HTML 3.2 specification?
  5. Where can I find more information?
  1. What is the most current version of the HTMLib
    Currently, the most recent version of the HTMLib is version 2.2

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  2. Is the HTMLib available in any other format?
    Currently, no. I have toyed with the idea of a HTML version and have in fact created it, but it will very probably not be released. I am undecided though as you can probably tell. So, you Mac, UNIX, OS/2 bods, keep an eye out. I have been reliably informed that Mac users who use either Microsoft Word, or Excel can view HLP files via a HLP viewer included with those applications. Perhaps someone can verify this for me?

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  3. Why are the download files so big?
    From version 2.2 of the HTMLib, bundled with it was the HTMLib
    Wizard - an application that can be used for viewing possible colour schemes, without needing to edit the HTML and refresh a page in a browser. This was written in Visual Basic® 4 and the run-time for VB4 has various other file dependancies. While most of these files would already be installed on your system, the only way I could ensure that they were there was to include them in the download archive and installation routines.
    Any future versions of the HTMLib will come in two version. One will be a full download archive (containing a set-up routine and all the necessary support files) and one will be an upgrade archive (that will include the necessary updated HLP and EXE files). Also a detailed file list will be included so that you can track files installed on your system (or to check whether they already exist or not).
    NOTE : The next version of the HTMLib will probably only be available in Windows 95 (i.e. 32 bit) version.

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  4. Will the HTMLib be updated to reflect the HTML 3.2 specification?
    The short answer is no. This is not because I have stopped the HTMLib, but because version 2.2 more than adequately covered the HTML 3.2 spec. ('Wilbur') before that spec. was released. From what I could see, 'Wilbur' was just the HTML 2.0 spec. plus some of the proprietary extensions that had since been introduced, in order to bring them under the control of the W3C. Version 2.2 of the HTMLib adequately covered all of this specification.

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  5. Where can I find more information?
    For more information about HTML references, or any information contained within the HTMLib, see the Other HTML References topic.

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