Alternate Paths: HTML5

In the narrow sense, HTML5 is just a new generation of the HTML markup language. In the broader sense though, HTML5 is an application programming environment. It is possible to deliver useful programs using that broader bundle of technologies (HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript, etc.). The key advantage to a HTML5 learning path is that you can write (and deliver!) programs without becoming an operating system or database expert.

We are perhaps at a bit of a juncture.  MobileBeat claims HTML5 will kill the native app.  It may, but that may not be something a beginning programmer needs to worry about.   I think it is enough that the technology is popular, current, and growing.  It's a good start.

Jochen Voss gives a quick overview in How to Write an HTML5 App?

Google "HTML5 tutorial" and "learning HTML5" for the latest, best, pages.