1.2. SVG introduction

1.2.1. Basic knowledge that you should have before learning: ¶

Before you continue your study, you should have a basic understanding of thefollowing:

• HTML

• XML Foundation

If you want to learn these contents first, please select the appropriate tutorial on the home page of this site.

1.2.2. What is SVG? ¶

• SVG refers to scalable vector graphics

• SVG is used to define vector-based graphics for the network

• SVG uses XML format to define drawings

• The graphic quality of SVG image will not be lost when it is enlarged or changed in size.

• SVG is the standard of the World wide Web Consortium

• SVG is integrated with W3C standards such as DOM and XSL

1.2.3. SVG is a W3C recommendation ¶

SVG became a W3C recommendation on January 14, 2003.

To read more about W3C’s SVG activities, please visit our W3C tutorial.

1.2.4. History and advantages of SVG ¶

In January 2003, SVG 1.1 was established as the W3C standard.

Organizations involved in defining SVG are: Sun (which has been acquired by Oracle), Adobe, Apple, IBM and Kodak.

Compared with other image formats, the advantages of using SVG are:

• SVG can be read and modified by many tools (such as notepad)

• SVG is smaller and more compressible than JPEG and GIF images.

• SVG is scalable

• SVG images can be printed with high quality at any resolution

• SVG can be magnified without deterioration in image quality.

• The text in the SVG image is optional and searchable (ideal for making maps)

• SVG can be run with Java technology

• SVG is an open standard

• SVG files are pure XML

The main competitor of SVG is Flash.

The biggest advantage of SVG over Flash is its compatibility with other standards, such as XSL and DOM. Flash is a proprietary technology that is not open source.

1.2.5. View the SVG file ¶

Internet Explorer9, Firefox, Google Chrome,Opera and Safari all support SVG.

Both IE8 and earlier versions require a plug-in, such as an Adobe SVG browser, which is available free of charge.

1.2.6. Create a SVG file ¶

Because SVG is a XML file, SVG images can be created with any text editor, but it is often used with a drawing program, such as Inkscape to make it easier to create SVG images