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Source- This post is based on the article “How do web browsers work? | Explained” published in “The Hindu” on 11th December 2023.
Why in the News?
Web browsers serve as our digital gateways to the expansive realm of the internet. In this article we delve into the complexity of web browsers, unveiling their working mechanisms.
What are Web browsers?
1) Web browsers are applications for sending and receiving internet messages. Essentially, it fetches information from the internet in various formats and displays it on your device and vice versa.
2) Tim Berners-Lee, the English computer scientist, introduced the World Wide Web along with the first web browser, ‘WorldWideWeb’.
3) Contemporary web browsers: Mozilla Firefox, Apple’s Safari, Microsoft Edge, and Google’s Chrome.
How do Web Browsers work?
| Steps | Details |
| Input from the user | Users input a website’s address (Uniform Resource Locator, or URL) into the browser’s address bar or click on a link. |
| Request and response | 1) The browser transmits a request to a server, seeking the content of the particular web page you are interested in. 2) The server then formulates a response containing the information (or data) required to construct the web page which then travels back to your computer. |
| Deconstructing the response | 1) The server’s reply consists of multiple files, typically encoded in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, each playing a vital role in the presentation of the final webpage. 2) HTML outlines the structure, CSS enhances the aesthetics, and JavaScript introduces dynamic functionality to the webpage. |
| Rendering | Based on the HTML, CSS and JavaScript, the final webpage is assembled. It is done within a matter of a few seconds. |
| Managing data | 1) Browsers utilize cookies to save information on websites you visit such as login status and preferences. 2) The cache stores frequently accessed files, enhancing page loading speed. |
| Security | 1) Browsers employ encryption protocols like HTTPS to ensure secure data exchange. 2) Browsers also use warning systems to alert you about potentially malicious websites |
What are some other Developments regarding the Internet?
1) WEB 3.0- It is a decentralised internet that runs on a public blockchain.
| For more information click here to read |
2) Indian Web Browser Development Challenge (IWBDC)- IWBDC is an open challenge competition that seeks to inspire and empower technology enthusiasts, innovators, and developers from all corners of the country to create an indigenous web browser.
– Launched by the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY).
UPSC Syllabus- Science & Technology
