Blog
03.24
Getting to Know Your Browser
For many people, a Web browser is simply a gateway to the Internet. They've never given it a second thought, and never really thought about why they're using that particular one. If you're running Windows, chances are you're reading this in Internet Explorer. A Mac user will likely be using Safari. You update the browser when the operating system tells you to, and the setup just works.
From a Web developer's perspective, the browser is an entirely different animal. It's either our best friend, or the bane of our existence. It all boils down to one simple, often misunderstood, principle.
Web sites do not need to look the same in every browser. Someone browsing the Web in Internet Explorer does not need to have an identical interface to someone browsing in Firefox. There, I said it. Think about it for a second, but let me explain.
What if regulations said that all cars need to have equal performance? Would you really be willing to buy that Ferrari over a Toyota if they drove the same? Why, then, should Web developers cripple the feature of more advanced browsers to support the legacy ones? (A: They shouldn't.)
The interface and user experience of any modern Web site should be driven by the needs of the target audience. If there is a need for true legacy support, then the bells and whistles of modern browsers should be sacrificed. At the same time, unnecessary legacy support should not dictate the user experience just to make things consistent across all systems.
With that said, the need for legacy support is diminishing daily. Web standards are becoming more defined, and support is increasing. Firefox, Opera, and Safari are leading the charge. Even Microsoft, long a stalwart in the browser game, has seen the light and made great strides with Internet Explorer 8, which was released this week.
If you're looking to get the most out of the Web, you need to make sure your browser is up to the task. The experience is a whole lot better when you're not stuck in the legacy camp.
P.S. I recommend Firefox for its security, standards support, and wide array of features and extensions.
