Difference between revisions of "Web browser"

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== Web browser ==
 
== Web browser ==
  
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A '''[[Web browser|web browser]]''' (often just called a '''browser''') is a [[Software|software application]] used to access and view [[Web content|web content]] on the [[World Wide Web]]. When you use a browser, it acts as a [[Client (computing)|client]] that requests information from a [[Web server|web server]].
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A '''web browser''' (or just '''browser''') is a software program used to access and view content on the World Wide Web. It acts as a client, requesting information from a web server.
  
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The browser connects to the [[Web server]] using the [[Hypertext Transfer Protocol|HTTP]] (or [[HTTPS]] for secure connections), requests the specific [[Web page]] or resource identified by a [[URL]], and then downloads the content. Once downloaded, the browser's [[Rendering engine|rendering engine]] interprets the [[Hypertext Markup Language|HTML]], [[Cascading Style Sheets|CSS]], [[JavaScript]], and other code to display the visual [[Web page]] that the user sees and interacts with.
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Browsers connect to web servers using HTTP (or HTTPS for secure sites), request content via a URL, and download it. Then, the browser's rendering engine interprets HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and other code to display the web page for the user.
  
 
=== History ===
 
=== History ===
  
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The concept of the [[Web browser]] began with the creation of the [[World Wide Web]] itself. The very first browser, named [[WorldWideWeb (browser)|WorldWideWeb]], was developed by [[Tim Berners-Lee]] at [[CERN]] in 1990. This was a basic application that could display text and navigate links.
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The idea of a web browser started with the World Wide Web itself. Tim Berners-Lee at CERN developed the first browser, WorldWideWeb, in 1990. It was a basic text-based application.
  
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In 1993, [[Mosaic (web browser)|Mosaic]] was released. Developed by the National Center for Supercomputing Applications (NCSA), Mosaic was the first widely popular graphical [[Web browser]]. Its ease of use and ability to display images inline significantly increased the appeal of the [[World Wide Web]] and led to its rapid adoption. Many early browser designs were influenced by Mosaic.
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In 1993, Mosaic became the first popular graphical web browser. Its user-friendliness and ability to show images inline greatly boosted the World Wide Web's adoption and influenced many later browser designs.
  
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Following Mosaic, several commercial browsers emerged. [[Netscape Navigator]], released in 1994 by Netscape Communications (co-founded by former Mosaic developers), quickly became the dominant browser. However, [[Microsoft]] responded by releasing [[Internet Explorer]] in 1995, integrating it deeply with its [[Microsoft Windows]] [[Operating System|operating system]]. This began the period known as the "[[Browser wars]]", where Netscape and [[Microsoft]] competed intensely for market share. [[Internet Explorer]] eventually surpassed Netscape, achieving a near-monopoly by the early 2000s.
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After Mosaic, Netscape Navigator emerged as the dominant browser in 1994. However, Microsoft's Internet Explorer, released in 1995 and integrated with Windows, started the 'Browser wars.' Internet Explorer eventually won, gaining a near-monopoly by the early 2000s.
  
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Discontent with [[Internet Explorer]]'s adherence to [[Web standard|web standards]] and its security led to the development of new alternative browsers. The [[Mozilla Foundation]] released [[Mozilla Firefox]] in 2002, which promoted [[Web standard|web standards]] compliance and was developed as [[Open-source software]].
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Issues with Internet Explorer's standards compliance and security led to new browsers. The Mozilla Foundation released Firefox in 2002, an open-source browser promoting web standards.
  
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In 2008, [[Google]] released [[Google Chrome]], which focused on speed, a minimalist user interface, and stability (running tabs as separate processes). Chrome rapidly gained popularity and became the most used browser globally by the early 2010s, sparking renewed competition and driving further innovation in browser development. The rise of [[Smartphone|smartphones]] also led to the development of major mobile browsers like [[Safari (web browser)|Safari Mobile]] and Chrome for mobile devices.
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Google Chrome, launched in 2008, focused on speed, simplicity, and stability. It quickly became the most used browser globally, driving new competition. Mobile browsers like Safari Mobile and Chrome for smartphones also grew with the rise of smartphones.
  
 
Today, the browser market is diverse, with several major players and numerous smaller or specialized browsers available.
 
Today, the browser market is diverse, with several major players and numerous smaller or specialized browsers available.
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=== Security Features ===
 
=== Security Features ===
  
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[[Web browser|Web browsers]] are a critical part of computer [[Computer security|security]] because they are the primary tool for accessing content from the [[Internet]], which can include malicious elements. Modern browsers implement various security features to protect users:
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Browsers are critical for computer security as they are the main way to access internet content, which can be malicious. Modern browsers include various security features:
  
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* **[[Sandboxing]]:** Browsers isolate processes running web content in sandboxes, limiting the potential damage if a malicious script or site tries to access the user's system files or data outside the browser environment.
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Sandboxing: Isolates web content in a separate environment to limit damage from malicious sites.
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* **[[Same-origin policy]]:** This fundamental security policy prevents content loaded from one website from interacting with resources from another website without explicit permission. This is a key defense against attacks like [[Cross-site scripting|cross-site scripting]] (XSS).
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Same-origin policy: Prevents websites from interacting with content from other sites without permission, crucial against attacks like XSS.
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* **[[Transport Layer Security|TLS]]/[[HTTPS]] Indication:** Browsers clearly show whether a connection to a website is secure and encrypted using [[HTTPS]] and [[TLS]], often through visual indicators like a padlock icon in the address bar. They also alert users to potential issues with website security certificates.
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TLS/HTTPS Indication: Browsers show if a site uses secure HTTPS/TLS (e.g., padlock icon) and warn about certificate issues.
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* **Automatic Updates:** Browsers regularly receive and apply updates automatically. These updates frequently include patches for security vulnerabilities, making it important to keep browsers up-to-date.
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Automatic Updates: Regularly apply updates, often patching security flaws, making it vital to keep browsers current.
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* **Privacy Controls:** Browsers offer features to control [[Cookie (computing)|cookies]], site data, pop-ups, and block [[Tracking (web Browse)|trackers]], allowing users to manage their online privacy.
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Privacy Controls: Features to manage cookies, site data, pop-ups, and block trackers, enhancing user privacy.
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* **Phishing and Malware Warnings:** Many browsers integrate services that check visited [[URL]]s against lists of known malicious sites and warn the user before proceeding.
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Phishing and Malware Warnings: Warn users about known malicious or phishing sites.
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While browsers offer strong security, no browser is foolproof. User awareness, keeping software updated, and using strong, unique passwords are still essential for online safety.
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While browsers provide significant security measures, no browser can guarantee absolute safety. User awareness, keeping the browser and [[Operating System|operating system]] updated, and using strong, unique passwords remain essential practices for online security.
 
  
 
=== Notable Web Browsers ===
 
=== Notable Web Browsers ===
  
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* [[Google Chrome]]
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*[[Google Chrome]]
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* [[Mozilla Firefox]]
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*[[Mozilla Firefox]]
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* [[Apple Safari|Safari]]
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*[[Safari]]
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* [[Microsoft Edge]]
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*[[Microsoft Edge]]
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* [[Opera (web browser)|Opera]]
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*[[Opera]]
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* [[Brave (web browser)|Brave Browser]]
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*[[Brave Browser]]
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* [[Vivaldi (web browser)|Vivaldi]]
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*[[Vivaldi]]
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* [[Tor Browser]]
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*[[Tor Browser]]
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* [[Pale Moon]]
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*[[Pale Moon]]
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* [[Lynx (web browser)|Lynx]] (text-based browser)
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*[[Lynx]] (text-based)
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=== See Also ===
 
=== See Also ===
  
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* [[Comparison of web browsers]]
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*[[HTTP]]
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* [[Browser wars]]
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*[[HTTPS]]
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* [[Rendering engine]]
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*[[URL]]
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* [[World Wide Web]]
 
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* [[HTTP]]
 
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* [[HTTPS]]
 
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* [[URL]]
 
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* [[Web server]]
 
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* [[Client–server model]]
 
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* [[Online privacy]]
 
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* [[Computer security]]
 
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=== References ===
 
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* {{cite book |last=Berners-Lee |first=Tim |title=Weaving the Web: The Original Design and Ultimate Destiny of the World Wide Web by its Inventor |publisher=HarperCollins |year=1999 |isbn=0-06-251587-X}} - Primary source on early web history.
 
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* {{cite book |last=Segal |first=Maayan |title=The Browser Wars: The Epic Battle Between Netscape and Microsoft |publisher=Amazon Digital Services LLC |year=2023 |isbn=979-8864051949}} - Covers the history of the browser wars.
 
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* [https://www.internetsociety.org/internet/history-internet/brief-history-internet/ A Brief History of the Internet] - Internet Society page includes browser context.
 
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* [https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Web/Security/Securing_your_site MDN Web Docs - Web security] - Provides developer perspective on web security features, including browser roles.
 
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* [https://www.cloudflare.com/learning/access-control/what-is-a-web-browser/ Cloudflare - What is a Web Browser?] - Explains browser basics.
 
  
 
[[Category:Web browsers]]
 
[[Category:Web browsers]]
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[[Category:World Wide Web]]
 
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[[Category:Client software]]
 
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[[Category:Internet software]]
 
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[[Category:Computer security]]
 
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[[Category:Online privacy]]
 

Latest revision as of 11:36, 27 May 2025

Web browser

A web browser (or just browser) is a software program used to access and view content on the World Wide Web. It acts as a client, requesting information from a web server.

Browsers connect to web servers using HTTP (or HTTPS for secure sites), request content via a URL, and download it. Then, the browser's rendering engine interprets HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and other code to display the web page for the user.

History

The idea of a web browser started with the World Wide Web itself. Tim Berners-Lee at CERN developed the first browser, WorldWideWeb, in 1990. It was a basic text-based application.

In 1993, Mosaic became the first popular graphical web browser. Its user-friendliness and ability to show images inline greatly boosted the World Wide Web's adoption and influenced many later browser designs.

After Mosaic, Netscape Navigator emerged as the dominant browser in 1994. However, Microsoft's Internet Explorer, released in 1995 and integrated with Windows, started the 'Browser wars.' Internet Explorer eventually won, gaining a near-monopoly by the early 2000s.

Issues with Internet Explorer's standards compliance and security led to new browsers. The Mozilla Foundation released Firefox in 2002, an open-source browser promoting web standards.

Google Chrome, launched in 2008, focused on speed, simplicity, and stability. It quickly became the most used browser globally, driving new competition. Mobile browsers like Safari Mobile and Chrome for smartphones also grew with the rise of smartphones.

Today, the browser market is diverse, with several major players and numerous smaller or specialized browsers available.

Security Features

Browsers are critical for computer security as they are the main way to access internet content, which can be malicious. Modern browsers include various security features:

Sandboxing: Isolates web content in a separate environment to limit damage from malicious sites. Same-origin policy: Prevents websites from interacting with content from other sites without permission, crucial against attacks like XSS. TLS/HTTPS Indication: Browsers show if a site uses secure HTTPS/TLS (e.g., padlock icon) and warn about certificate issues. Automatic Updates: Regularly apply updates, often patching security flaws, making it vital to keep browsers current. Privacy Controls: Features to manage cookies, site data, pop-ups, and block trackers, enhancing user privacy. Phishing and Malware Warnings: Warn users about known malicious or phishing sites. While browsers offer strong security, no browser is foolproof. User awareness, keeping software updated, and using strong, unique passwords are still essential for online safety.

Notable Web Browsers

See Also

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