What is SVG?

• Scalable Vector Graphics, a W3C recommendation.
• A language for describing two-dimensional, potentially interactive, graphics using XML syntax.
• A way to apply all the advantages of XML to structured graphics.

How It Works:

SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics) is a language for describing two-dimensional graphics using XML syntax. SVG allows for three types of graphic objects: vector graphic shapes (e.g., paths consisting of straight lines and curves), images, and text. Graphical objects can be grouped, styled, transformed and composed into previously rendered objects. The feature set includes nested transformations, clipping paths, alpha masks, filter effects, and template objects.

SVG drawings can be interactive and dynamic. Animations can be defined and triggered either declaratively (i.e., by embedding SVG animation elements in SVG content) or via scripting.

Sophisticated applications of SVG are possible by use of a supplemental scripting language which accesses SVG Document Object Model (DOM), which provides complete access to all elements, attributes and properties. A rich set of event handlers such as “onmouseover” and “onclick” can be assigned to any SVG graphical object. Because of its compatibility and leveraging of other Web standards, features like scripting can be done on XHTML and SVG elements simultaneously within the same Web page.