Supportsoft Glossary

Software That Enables Access to the Web

A web browser is a programme used primarily to facilitate Internet searching. A few notable examples of web browsers are Mozilla, Google, Internet Explorer, and Apple Safari. While they may seem simple on the outside, web browsers are responsible for some of the most complex processes that take place to access information from the Internet and interact with it. Each web browser retrieves content from web servers, reads code written in HTML/CSS and JavaScript languages, and formats the content so that it's easy to access and navigate by people.

Web browsers create the ability for anyone to use the Internet. Commonly found features in web browsers include Auto-fill, Autofocus, Bookmarking, History, Tabbed Browsing, Password Management, Privacy Settings, and the ability to install Extensions. Furthermore, web browsers utilise multiple forms of security protocols to help keep users from accidentally visiting malicious websites, downloading dangerous programmes, and falling for phishing attempts.

From a development perspective, web browsers hold an important position in the way digital experiences are created. Each web browser has its own rendering engine, which determines how a user interface (UI) is displayed, including layouts, animations and interactive elements. Therefore, it is essential for web designers and developers to test their applications on different web browsers, which will help ensure that the application functions in a way that is consistent and usable.

For everyone, including business professionals and students alike, services that previously required desktop computers to operate, such as video editing and productivity software, are now performed entirely on the web.