W3C `Procedure`

The W3C standardization process consists of 7 distinct steps.

W3C Specification Approval Steps

In the process of W3C publishing a new standard, a specification evolves from a simple idea into a recommended standard through the following rigorous steps:

W3C receives a submission
W3C issues a record
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, an overview of the activities related to HTML, CSS, XML, and XSL at W3C is provided, including the status and timeline of each web standard.

W3C Submissions

Any W3C member can submit a proposal to the consortium, hoping to become a web standard. Most W3C recommendations originate from a submission to the consortium.

If a submission falls within W3C's scope of work (or charter), W3C will decide whether to initiate improvement work on 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 represent an endorsement. The content of the note is edited by the member who submitted it, not by W3C. A note can be updated, replaced, or discarded at any time. The publication of a note does not indicate that W3C has initiated any work related to the note.

W3C Working Groups

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

The working group usually defines a timeline and publishes working drafts of the proposed standard.

W3C Working Drafts

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

A working draft indicates ongoing work but should not be used as reference material. Its content can be updated, replaced, or discarded at any time.

W3C Candidate Recommendations

Some specifications are more complex 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 "work in progress" and should not be used as reference material. This document can be updated, replaced, or discarded at any time.

W3C Proposed Recommendations

A proposed recommendation signifies the final phase of work in the working group.

A proposed recommendation is also "work in progress." This document can be updated, replaced, or discarded at any time. However, although it does not imply any official endorsement from W3C, in many cases, a proposed recommendation is close to the final recommendation in both content and timing.

W3C Recommendations

A W3C recommendation has been reviewed by W3C members and has received formal approval from the W3C director.

A W3C recommendation is a stable document and can be used as reference material.