W3C Programs

W3C's standardization process is divided into 7 different steps.

Approval steps of W3C specifications

In the process of W3C publishing a new standard, the specification is gradually established from a simple idea to a recommended standard through the following strict procedures:

  • W3C receives a submission
  • A record published by W3C
  • A working group created by W3C
  • A working draft published by W3C
  • A candidate recommendation published by W3C
  • A proposed recommendation published by W3C
  • Recommended by W3C

In the following chapters of this tutorial, the corresponding activities of HTML, CSS, XML, and XSL in W3C are summarized, including the status and timeline of each web standard.

W3C Submissions (W3C Submissions)

Any W3C member can submit a suggestion (case) for a standard to become a Web standard to the consortium. Most W3C recommendations originate from submissions made to the consortium.

If a submission is within the scope of W3C's work (or charter), W3C will decide whether to initiate improvement work on the proposal.

W3C Notes (W3C Notes)

通常，一项对 W3C 的提交会成为一份记录。记录是对作为一份公共文档来提炼的一项提议的描述。

W3C only records user discussions. The publication of records does not represent recognition of them. The content of the records is edited by the members who submit them, not W3C. Records can be updated, replaced, or abandoned at any time. The publication of records does not indicate that W3C has initiated any work related to the records.

W3C Working Groups (W3C Working Groups)

When a submission is recognized by W3C, a working group is formed, including members and other interested parties.

Working groups usually define a schedule and publish working drafts on proposed standards.

W3C Working Drafts (W3C Working Drafts)

W3C working drafts are typically published on the W3C website, along with an invitation for public comments.

Working drafts will describe work in progress, but should not be used as any reference material. Their content can be updated, replaced, or abandoned at any time.

W3C Candidate Recommendations

Some specifications may be more complex than others and may require more funding, more time, and more testing from members and software vendors. Sometimes, these specifications are published as candidate recommendations.

Candidate Recommendations are also a 'work in progress' and should not be used as reference materials. This document can be updated, replaced, or abandoned at any time.

W3C Proposed Recommendations (W3C Proposed Recommendations)

Proposed Recommendations mean the final stage of work in the working group.

Proposed Recommendations are also a 'work in progress'. This document can be updated, replaced, or abandoned at any time. However, even though it does not represent any official recognition of W3C, in many cases, the proposed recommendations are very close to the final recommendations in terms of content and time.

W3C Recommendations (W3C Recommendations)

W3C Recommendations have been reviewed by W3C members and formally approved by the W3C Director.

W3C Recommendations are stable documents that can be used as reference materials.

In the following chapters of this tutorial, the corresponding activities of HTML, CSS, XML, and XSL in W3C are summarized, including the status and timeline of each web standard.

Reference

World Wide Web Consortium