What version of Webkit does iBooks use?

[rtmyers]

Does anyone know what version of Webkit iBooks uses? Or what version of Chrome that corresponds to, roughly, given that Apple probably adds/subtracts features to/from Webkit for iBooks?

I am interesting in using flex boxes--seems perfect for iBooks which need to display on different screen sizes and orientations, for diagrams and little graphics--and although it works perfectly in Chrome 21 the settings (display: -webkit-flex; ) seem to be ignored by iBooks.

The App Store reports that the current version of iBooks is 2.1.1, updated Apr 16, 2012, which seems like an eternity ago.

[JSWolf]

When dealing with iBooks, you cannot use Chrome as a testbed and expect to get the same results in iBooks. The only way to do it is use iBooks to test things. You'll just have to move your code to iPad to test in iBooks. There's no substitute for iBooks.

[whbenson]

It turns out that Marcio Duarte has bundled a bit of javascript into an epub called Webkit Version Finder. I'm afraid you'll have to search through his twitter feed to find it...

This works in iBooks and if I remember correctly also the Kobo app in iOS.
-Bill

[JSWolf]

Originally Posted by whbenson

It turns out that Marcio Duarte has bundled a bit of javascript into an epub called Webkit Version Finder. I believe this is the URL to download it:

This works in iBooks and if I remember correctly also the Kobo app in iOS.
-Bill

You are not supposed to use a redirecting URL on MR. Please go back and edit your post to put in the full URL. Thanks.

[PageLab]

iBooks (v. 2.1.1) uses version 534.46 of webkit. Google Chrome (v. 21) have version 537.1

Here's the link to the ePUB used to detect the Webkit version:
http://www.pagelab.com.br/Webkit-Version-Finder.epub

[mzmm]

Originally Posted by JSWolf

You'll just have to move your code to iPad to test in iBooks. There's no substitute for iBooks.

Apple made a Book Proofer app available a little while back that allows you to edit content docs in an epub folder and see changes realtime on your ipad/iphone. you used to be able to get it free with a free iBooks acct, but unfortunately they've since removed it and made it available only for paid books accounts.

found that's it good for tests and proofing, but not a great tool for building an epub from the ground up.

[JSWolf]

Originally Posted by mzmm

Apple made a Book Proofer app available a little while back that allows you to edit content docs in an epub folder and see changes realtime on your ipad/iphone. you used to be able to get it free with a free iBooks acct, but unfortunately they've since removed it and made it available only for paid books accounts.

found that's it good for tests and proofing, but not a great tool for building an epub from the ground up.

And just what is wrong with using iBooks to test your eBooks?

[mzmm]

Originally Posted by JSWolf

And just what is wrong with using iBooks to test your eBooks?

sorry if i was unclear - book proofer does test using ibooks. it just saves the time of having to unzip/re-zip an epub and then send it to your device via itunes if you're making small adjustments to the code, designing a template, etc.

it allows you to drag an unzipped epub folder into the app, and view it immediately as a normal epub in your ibooks library on an ipad/iphone that's connected to your computer. you can then alter the html/css in a text editor, and upon saving, the device auto-refreshes so that you can see the changes in ibooks immediately, like refreshing a webpage.

i meant that OP might want to try it out to expedite the workflow, especially since it sounds like he may want - in lieu of a hard set of hard how-to-build-for-ios rules - a testing environment to work out the quirks in ibooks for future development.

anyway - it's a bit hard to get ahold of, and only runs it on a mac w lion or mountain lion. i was using a program called DiskAid for the same purpose previously, although had to close/reopen the book whenever i wanted to refresh it.