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Most devices with Internet connectivity come with a built-in web browser. While web browsers are not the only way to access the Internet, most users still rely on these software applications to access information and online services.
Exploring the overview of what a Web browser is
1. What is a web browser?.
2. What is a mobile web browser?.
3. How are web browsers and search engines different?.
4. How does a web browser work?.
5. Basic functions of a web browser.
6. Protocols used by web browsers.
7. Some popular web browsers today.
1. What is a web browser?
A web browser is simply a computer program used to navigate the Internet and access the HTML documents of web pages stored on web servers.
Web browsers render a web page including hyperlinks to other web pages. Users can navigate to different web pages through hyperlinks. Web pages in PDF, CSV, and PPTX formats are displayed as web pages through a web browser.
The term 'web browser' originates from 'to look' or 'to graze' in the context of wandering on the World Wide Web.
2. What is a mobile web browser?
A mobile web browser is an application designed to display web pages on users' mobile devices, such as smartphones. The first mobile web browser was PocketWeb, developed by TecO in 1994.
TecO developed the first mobile web browser, PocketWeb, for the Apple Newton. Since then, the number of mobile device users has been increasing, and new mobile web browsers have emerged. Among them are:
3. What's the difference between a web browser and a search engine?
Not just a few but many users still confuse between a web browser and a search engine, in reality, these two concepts are completely different.
A search engine is essentially a part of a website, capable of searching for other websites. Classic examples of search engines include Google, Bing, Yahoo, Baidu, etc. However, to display web pages and connect to servers, we need a web browser.
4. How does a web browser work?
A web browser requests, retrieves, and displays information from other parts of the website.
Every website has a unique address or URL (Uniform Resource Locator). Users can request information from the web by using a URL when entering a web address or search term into the browser's address bar or by clicking on hyperlinks (links to another page).
Then the web browser locates and retrieves information from the web server. Data is transmitted using the HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol).
The data received by users then needs to be displayed consistently. Web browsers use a tool called a Rendering Engine to translate web data into text and images. Data is written in HTML (Hypertext Markup Language), a language that informs the web browser of the location of each component on the page, ensuring compatibility from one browser to another.
5. Basic functions of a web browser
Typically, web browsers have the following basic functions and features:
- Address Bar: Usually located at the top of the browser, allowing you to enter URLs to access different web pages.
- Add-ons / Extensions: These are additional tools developed by developers integrated into the browser to enhance your web browsing experience. Some extensions include AdBlock, Google Translate, etc.
- Bookmark: If you frequently visit a certain website, you can bookmark it for easy access later.
- Browsing History: This records the websites you've visited over a certain period. This is useful if you want to revisit a long-ago website, however, it's advisable to clear your history if you share a device with others.
- Browser Windows: This is a basic feature of a web browser, where web page content is displayed for you.
- Cookies: Cookies are text files that store information you've shared with other websites, such as login information or shopping cart items when shopping online. However, cookies often raise security concerns.
- More: How to clear browsing history, cookies in Chrome, Firefox, IE, Safari
- Homepage and Home Button: The homepage is the website that appears first when you open the browser. You can customize the homepage to any website you want. Additionally, you can easily return to the homepage by clicking the Home button on the browser.
- Navigation Buttons: Usually located at the top of the browser, allowing you to go forward/backward or refresh a webpage. Other navigation buttons include bookmarking a page, opening settings, or accessing the add-ons/extensions list.
- Tabs: When clicking on any link, a webpage may open in a new tab. This helps you observe and work with multiple webpages simultaneously.
6. Web Browser Protocols
A protocol is a set of rules defining a specific function or process. Web browser protocols define how web browsers operate for specific functions and processes.
When opening a webpage, the browser uses the HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol), while for file transfer, it uses the FTP (File Transfer Protocol).
Below is a list of protocols that web browsers can use:
- HTTP: Utilized by web browsers to decode web pages.
- FTP: Used for file transfer.
- SSH FTP: Web browsers use SSH FTP to transmit securely encrypted files.
- SMPTP: Simple Email Transfer Protocol used by web browsers to send emails.
- Bittorent Protocol: Can be used for peer-to-peer file sharing.
7. Some Popular Web Browsers Today
Most modern web browsers come packed with unique features, partly to 'stand out' from the rest and partly to meet users' needs.
If you haven't found a personal choice yet, readers can explore more here to understand and expand suitable options.
- Read more: Most Popular Web Browsers Today
By now, readers surely grasp the concept of what a web browser is. Additionally, if you have any further queries or other questions, don't forget to leave them in the comments section below the article.
