Images in the body of the page using data: URL

Note: below is a translation of the article “Inline Images with Data URLs” , which addresses the issue of embedding images on web pages using data:URI. This scheme allows you to insert the image code directly into the (X) HTML page without accessing external files, which reduces the total number of HTTP requests to the server. My comments are further in italics.

Embedded ( inline ) images use a scheme data:URIfor the introduction of directly into the body of the web page. As defined in RFC 2397, such URIs are designed to insert small objects as “immediate” data. Such objects should be treated just like any other external files. Using embedded images can save HTTP requests to external resources.

Browser support data: URL

Although Opera 7.2+, Firefox, Safari, Netscape, and Mozilla support it data:URI, Internet Explorer 5–7 does not. However, it is reported that Internet Explorer 8 will support this scheme, since it passes the Acid2 test , which allows it to be used data:URLas a real alternative for the implementation of small decorative images. There are also several tricks to support older versions of Internet Explorer.

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