What is a Browser? – Definition, Functions, Types and More

Definition Browser

A browser is a software application that gives access to information on the World Wide Web. When a user asks for a particular website, the web browser fetches the required content from a web server. And then, it displays the resulting web page on the user’s device.

In computer science browser is an application or program that allows access to web pages, And also surfs a computer network. Whereas mainly the Internet, either from personal computers or mobile devices.[

It communicates through the HTTP protocol, with a web server, which asks for a file in HTML code. And also which will be interpreted by the browser to be displayed on the screen to the user’s device.

Functions of Browser

The role of the [browser] is to enable the user to view web pages and all their components. Components such as documents, text, images, videos, audios, hyperlinks, etc. Through the [browser], the user can perform multiple activities:

1. Send and receive emails
2. Access web pages and social networks
3. Select and save your favorite pages
4. Print documents
5. Keep records of your activity
6. Store information in the cloud
7. Install applications, etc.

A [browser] is a useful tool for the most varied activities of daily life, be it entertainment, information, socialization, service payments, access to bank information, etc. 

Types of Browser

Google Chrome

Google Inc has developed this web [browser]. It is an open and free source. Google chrome runs on different operating systems, like Microsoft Windows, Mac OS X, Chrome OS, Linux, Android and iOS. It was launched in 2008 and since then it has become the most popular web browser in the world market.

Mozilla Firefox

This web browser is free and open, developed by the Mozilla Corporation and the Mozilla Foundation. It works on Microsoft Windows, Mac OS and Linux operating systems.

Apple Safari

This web browser is free and closed source, developed by Apple Inc. It works on OS X, iOS, and Microsoft Windows operating systems. Its market launch occurred in 2003.

Internet Explorer

This is a web [browser] developed by Microsoft Corporation, integrated into the Microsoft Windows operating system in all its versions. It was launched in 1995 and was the most popular web browser until it was moved by Google Chrome in 2011.

Opera

Opera is a web [browser] developed by the company Opera Software. It is compatible with Microsoft Windows and Mac OS X operating systems mainly. Although it also works, in older versions, on Linux. It launched in 1995.