Experimenting with the FullScreen API

The FullScreen API enables elements on a webpage, such as images and videos, to be viewed in full-screen mode across most major browsers like Chrome, Firefox, Opera, and Edge, though Safari support is limited. Users must grant permission for full-screen access via user interactions like clicking an "Allow" button. The API can be implemented using libraries like fscreen or screenfull, and there are React Hooks options available, but the article focuses solely on the native FullScreen API. Examples include toggling full-screen views for HTML5 sections, modals, and images, with considerations for styling using the :fullscreen pseudo-selector and accessibility challenges, particularly regarding screen reader interactions. While the API offers creative possibilities such as full-screen slideshows or modals, it has accessibility limitations that developers need to address, such as ensuring elements outside the :fullscreen element are aria-hidden. SVG images can also be incorporated for more dynamic content, allowing animations and effects to be displayed when in full-screen mode. Despite its simplicity, the FullScreen API's implementation requires careful handling of accessibility and cross-browser compatibility issues.