Web browser - Wikipedia

Definition and Function

A web browser is an application used to access websites by retrieving files from a web server and displaying them on a user's device. Browsers operate across various devices including desktops, laptops, tablets, smartphones, and smart TVs. They function as HTTP clients that fetch content via URLs using HTTP or HTTPS, then use a rendering engine to convert resources into an interactive visual page. Modern browsers also include JavaScript engines for complex interactive applications.

History

The first web browser, WorldWideWeb, was created in 1990 by Tim Berners-Lee. Mosaic, released in 1993, was the first to gain mainstream popularity with a graphical user interface. This led to the browser wars of the 1990s between Netscape Navigator and Microsoft Internet Explorer, with Internet Explorer eventually peaking at over 95% market share. Firefox emerged in 2004 from the Mozilla Foundation, Safari was released by Apple in 2003, and Google Chrome debuted in 2008, becoming the most popular browser in 2012. Microsoft replaced Internet Explorer with Edge in 2015 and later adopted a Chromium-based version in 2020.

Features

Popular browsers share features such as browsing history, bookmarks, extensions, download and password management, sync services, and private modes. Common UI elements include tabs, back and forward buttons, refresh and stop buttons, a home button, and an address bar. Mobile browsers have simplified UIs for touch screens. Browsers also support web development tools and access DRM-restricted content through Content Decryption Modules like Widevine.

Browser Market

Google Chrome is the dominant browser worldwide with approximately 69% market share, based on the open-source Chromium project. Safari is second with about 16% and is dominant on Apple devices. Edge holds around 5%, while Firefox and Samsung Browser each have about 2%. Mobile devices now represent 62% of internet traffic, compared to 36% for desktop and 2% for tablet as of February 2025.

Security and Privacy

Browsers are common targets for hackers exploiting security holes, so users are encouraged to keep software updated and use antivirus protection. Privacy concerns include cookies used for tracking, telemetry data collection, and browser fingerprinting. Privacy-focused browsers such as Brave, DuckDuckGo, LibreWolf, Tor, Mullvad, and Firefox Focus generally offer better protection than mainstream browsers like Chrome, Firefox, and Safari by blocking tracking scripts, ads, and fingerprinting.

AI Browsers

Starting in the mid-2020s, AI browsers with integrated artificial intelligence capabilities have become increasingly common. Examples include new entrants like Perplexity Comet and ChatGPT Atlas, as well as established browsers adding AI features, such as Chrome with the Gemini chatbot and Edge with the Copilot chatbot.