Peripheral APIs Workstream Proposal

[tantek]

This is a Workstream Proposal following https://whatwg.org/workstream-policy#workstream-proposals for a new Workstream for standards for Peripheral APIs.

Answers to Workstream Proposal numbered points in workstream-policy:

1. Proposed Workstream name:

• Provided in PR

2. Statement of purpose, including problem to be solved, proposed solution, status of the proposed solution, and how it is consistent with the WHATWG Principles and appropriate for a Workstream.

• A variety of de facto approaches to connecting peripheral devices to web applications have recently been implemented or are in the process of being implemented. This proposal would provide a central workstream for these standards, which share common considerations, and would support enhanced user experience by providing reference standards for web connections to peripherals which major browser makers would implement.

3. Specific Scope of work (included and excluded).

• Web APIs for implementing local peripheral connectivity standards in web browsers, including but not limited to Serial, USB, HID, Bluetooth, and NFC.

4. Proposed deliverables.

• A standard per API defining that API’s interfaces and usage.

5. Draft of the proposed Living Standard plus (optionally) a list of other proposed deliverables.

• Draft(s) below.

6. A list of similar or related work being undertaken or proposed elsewhere and its relationship to the proposed Workstream.

• Incubated specifications for the work being undertaken are available at:
  • https://wicg.github.io/serial/
  • https://wicg.github.io/webusb/
  • https://wicg.github.io/webhid/
  • https://webbluetoothcg.github.io/web-bluetooth/
  • https://w3c-cg.github.io/web-nfc/

7. Anticipated Workstream Participants.

• The editor will be the participant

8. Description or list of those likely to implement or otherwise have an interest in the work.

• Chromium and Gecko are interested, should be sufficient

9. Expectations regarding long-term maintenance of the Living Standard.

• Editor volunteering should be effectively fulfilled.