If you're still using an older browser or have Shockwave Flash installed, it's recommended to remove the plugin to ensure your system's security and stability.
HTML5 introduced native tags for video ( <video> ) and audio ( <audio> ), meaning browsers no longer needed a plugin to play media. Furthermore, the combination of HTML5, CSS3, and JavaScript (specifically WebGL and Canvas technologies) allowed developers to create high-quality animations and games natively in the browser.
The late 1990s and the 2000s are often referred to as the "Golden Age of Flash." The plugin allowed artists, animators, and developers to bypass the limitations of HTML.
The Shockwave Flash plugin is gone, but its DNA is everywhere. It proved that the web could be a platform for creativity, gaming, and entertainment, not just static text.
In July 2017, Adobe announced it would end support for Flash Player on December 31, 2020. Major browser vendors (Google, Microsoft, Mozilla) synchronized their timelines to remove all support for the plugin from their software.
