YouTip

# W3C Process * * * The W3C standardization process consists of 7 distinct steps. * * * ## Steps for W3C Specification Approval In the process of W3C publishing a new standard, a specification goes through a rigorous process, evolving from a simple idea to a Recommendation: * W3C receives a submission * W3C publishes a note * W3C creates a working group * W3C publishes a working draft * W3C publishes a candidate recommendation * W3C publishes a proposed recommendation * W3C publishes a recommendation In the following sections of this tutorial, we summarize the corresponding W3C activities for HTML, CSS, XML, and XSL, including the status and timeline of each web standard. * * * ## W3C Submissions Any W3C member can submit a proposal (or suggestion) to the consortium that they wish to become a web standard. Most W3C Recommendations originate from a submission made to the consortium. If a submission falls within the W3C's area of work (or charter), W3C will decide whether to initiate work on improving the proposal. * * * ## W3C Notes Typically, a submission to W3C becomes a note. A note is a description of a proposal refined as a public document. W3C only records user discussions. The publication of a note does not imply endorsement. The content of a note is edited by the member who submitted it, not by W3C. Notes can be updated, replaced, or deprecated at any time. The publication of a note also does not indicate that W3C has initiated any work related to that note. * * * ## W3C Working Groups When a submission is accepted by W3C, a working group is formed, consisting of members and other interested parties. Working groups typically define a timeline and publish working drafts on the proposed standard. * * * ## W3C Working Drafts W3C Working Drafts are usually published on the W3C website, along with an invitation for public comments. Working drafts represent work in progress and should not be used as reference material. Their content can be updated, replaced, or deprecated at any time. * * * ## W3C Candidate Recommendations Some specifications are more complex than others and may require more funding, time, and testing from members and software developers. Sometimes, these specifications are published as Candidate Recommendations. A Candidate Recommendation is also a "work in progress" and should not be used as reference material. This document can be updated, replaced, or deprecated at any time. * * * ## W3C Proposed Recommendations A Proposed Recommendation signifies the final stage of work within a working group. A Proposed Recommendation is also a "work in progress." This document can be updated, replaced, or deprecated at any time. However, even though it does not imply any official endorsement by W3C, in most cases, a Proposed Recommendation is very close to the final Recommendation in both content and timing. * * * ## W3C Recommendations A W3C Recommendation has been reviewed by W3C members and formally approved by the W3C Director. A W3C Recommendation is a stable document and can be used as reference material. In the following sections of this tutorial, we summarize the corresponding W3C activities for HTML, CSS, XML, and XSL, including the status and timeline of each web standard. * * * ## Reference [World Wide Web Consortium (W3C)](http://www.w3.org/Consortium/)