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anglumea.com – If you work in front of a laptop every day, it’s almost impossible for you to go an entire day without opening a browser or web browser.
Yes, a browser is a piece of software you frequently use to access Twitter, YouTube, or productivity tools and applications for work. Maybe you’re a Google Chrome user? Or perhaps you use Mozilla Firefox or Safari?
If you’re curious to learn more about what a browser is, its definition, how a web browser works, its functions, and the various types of browsers, keep reading the explanation below!
What is Web Browser
Web browser or browser in shorts, is a software application used to access the World Wide Web (WWW), more commonly known as the Internet. It acts as an interface bridge connecting you to the information available on websites. (Learn more about what a website is, its types, and its benefits.)
A web browser functions as a client-server application, meaning it sends requests to a web server to retrieve the information requested by the user. Some of the most commonly used browsers in Indonesia include Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Safari, and Internet Explorer or Microsoft Edge.
Web browsers are primarily used to display and access websites on the internet, as well as other content created using languages such as HTML (Hypertext Markup Language) and XML (Extensible Markup Language). Browsers are capable of translating web pages and websites transmitted via the Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) into human-readable content.
Browsers can also handle other protocols and prefixes, such as secure HTTP (HTTPS), File Transfer Protocol (FTP), email handling (mailto:), and local files (file:).
In addition, most browsers support external plug-ins required to display dynamic content such as videos, audio, and games embedded within a webpage.
Web browsers have existed since before the 21st century. The earliest ones included a text-only browser called Lynx and another known as Mosaic. Later, Netscape Navigator and Microsoft Internet Explorer emerged as the two dominant options, until the release of Mozilla Firefox in 2004.
Meanwhile, Apple launched Safari in 2003, which became the default browser on its devices and the standard browser for iPhones starting in 2007. Since then, Google Chrome has also entered the competition and become a major player in the browser market.
Functions of a Browser
You’ve likely experienced the functions of a browser firsthand—it helps you access the websites you want to visit. But beyond that, what exactly does a browser do? Here are several key functions:
- Its primary role is to retrieve information from the World Wide Web and make it accessible to users.
- Sending requests to and retrieving data from servers.
- Browsers are used to fetch hypertext markup from the internet and display it on the user’s device.
- Providing navigation features for users. Navigation controls are another core function of web browsers. All browsers include menus, tabs, and various other features that help users explore websites and browse the internet efficiently. Users can open multiple webpages, print, and save them using built-in tools.
- Caching frequently accessed data to speed up browsing. Browsers store commonly accessed content to save time when retrieving data from servers. Instead of downloading pages anew, cached content is retrieved from the user’s local device for faster operation.
- Providing a secure method for accessing online content. Browsers offer secure protocols for accessing data and content via the internet.
Popular Types of Web Browsers
You’re likely familiar with several popular browsers—either because you use them yourself or have seen your friends or coworkers use them. And did you know? Every website you visit online is hosted on a server that stores its data. Below are some widely used web browsers:
Google Chrome
Google Chrome is the most popular and widely used web browser today. Chances are, you’re using it right now. Its popularity stems from its speed and comprehensive features. It’s one of the fastest browsers for loading pages and retrieving search results in seconds. Another reason for its appeal is its clean, user-friendly interface.
Mozilla Firefox
This is another popular choice among users. While many people use Firefox, Google Chrome and Safari still have larger user bases. One possible reason is compatibility issues with Google-developed products or apps. However, Firefox’s speed is quite comparable to that of Google Chrome.
Safari
Safari is a web browser developed by Apple Inc. and is the default browser for Apple’s operating systems, including macOS for Mac and MacBook and iOS for iPhone and iPad. Safari was initially developed for macOS and was released as a public beta on January 7, 2003, with a major update in Safari 4 in February 2009.
Microsoft Edge
This browser comes pre-installed on Windows 10 devices. It was developed to replace Internet Explorer and now serves as the default browser on Windows. Its popularity has grown due to its new rendering engine, user-friendly interface, handwriting capabilities on web pages, and more.
Microsoft Edge is a proprietary, cross-platform web browser developed by Microsoft. It was first released in 2015 as part of Windows 10 and Xbox One.
How a Web Browser Works
The entire process of retrieving information begins when a user enters a website URL into the browser’s address bar. The browser operates within a client-server model, acting as the client. It sends a request to the web server using the HTTP protocol.
Once the request is received, the server compiles the relevant data and sends it back via a webpage. When a domain name is entered, the browser first contacts the Domain Name System (DNS) to request the corresponding IP address.
DNS serves as the “phone book of the internet,” storing domain names and their associated IP addresses. After retrieving the IP address, the browser uses it to request the content from the website’s server. The content is then delivered and displayed on the user’s screen.
This is how a web browser works.
Conclusion
Although you likely use your browser every day, you might not have realized just how many functions it serves. A browser is a software application used to access the World Wide Web (WWW), also known as the Internet. It’s the interface that connects you to the information hosted on websites.
Beyond this primary function, a browser also caches frequently accessed data to improve browsing speed, and—most importantly—it provides a secure method for accessing online content. A web browser ensures that your access to information over the internet remains fast, efficient, and safe.
