Chrome, Safari, Internet Explorer, or Firefox? The small, subtle differences.

After the topic of browser architecture was briefly touched upon in the last article, this article explains how a browser is structured, what it must be capable of, and how it is tested. Additionally, it provides a brief overview of the latest versions of the browsers discussed in this article.

What a browser must provide:

The browser is one of the most important software programs on a computer. It serves as the access point to the internet. As a result, the demands on a browser are ever-increasing. The core function of a browser is: Information must be displayed quickly and securely.

The following factors are crucial for users:

• Ease of use

• Speed

• Modern standards like HTML 5

• Modern user interface

• Plugins / Extensions / Add-ons

• Security

The browser must support a primary function: To display the web resource that is called from the server and shown in the web window.

It can display not only HTML documents but also PDF files, images, and other formats. Every browser has a high-level structure. This includes the user interface with its address bar, bookmark menu, and other components. Furthermore, there is a rendering module for displaying content and a JavaScript interpreter. These and many other components describe the architecture of a browser.

The most well-known browsers are Microsoft's Internet Explorer, Apple's Safari, Mozilla's Firefox, and Google's Chrome.

Browser Benchmarks

As soon as a new version of a browser is released, so-called browser benchmarks are created. Benchmarks are specific tools used to test the browser's performance.

Benchmark test from www.chip.de (August 16, 2015)

In this test, the Safari browser is completely ignored. Instead, the new Microsoft browser Edge is tested to show the differences between the two current Microsoft browsers.

"Browsermark" is a benchmark for mobile and smartphone browsers. This tool compares mobile browsers independently of the connection technology used.

A JavaScript benchmark checks whether the modern and demanding web applications can be implemented by the respective browsers. In this case, the benchmark tool "JetStream" is used.

For GPU-acceleration, the "BMark" tool predominantly examines graphics processor-accelerated calculations.

The security test is conducted using "Browserscobe." This offers a collection of security tests to determine whether the tested browser supports JavaScript APIs in a manner that allows secure interaction between websites and follows best practices in blocking harmful sites.

The "HTML5 Test" checks a browser's compatibility with the latest HTML5 web standards. Examples include video and MP3 playback.

A quick glance at the table clearly shows who takes the lead. Chrome's exciting features and speed make it the winner. However, the competition is catching up fast. Below is a brief overview of all the latest browsers and their innovations.

Firefox 40

At Mozilla, security is a top priority. Add-ons can be useful but also contain malware. A solution is an extension activated in the store to adhere to specific rules, known as the add-on guidelines.

Furthermore, Mozilla claims to have added protection against unwanted downloads, implemented smoother scrolling on websites with the keyword VSync, and optimized memory usage and loading time of JPEG graphics.

Chrome 44

A major advantage of Google Chrome is its integration with Google services like Gmail, Maps, or Docs. This is why 43 security vulnerabilities were closed in the latest version. Google has also announced that it collaborated with external security researchers for this.

An updated rendering algorithm is intended to improve video playback. In addition, shortcuts can now be directly added to the taskbar.

Safari 8.0

A new version of the Safari browser always brings visual innovations. In this case, the design is very much aligned with the new operating system for Mac: OS X Yosemite.

The new tab view with thumbnail windows makes sense. These are displayed in the Safari browser from a bird's-eye view. Safari offers integrated support for the DuckDuckGo search engine. Unlike other investigated search engines, this one promises not to track search queries.

The browser now also supports HTML5 Premium Video Extensions, allowing Netflix HD videos to be watched two hours longer, for example.

Internet Explorer Version 11

The Internet Explorer also uses new versions more sparingly. At most, new browser features arrive with a new Windows version.

The design of IE has hardly changed. The browser operates with menus, submenus, and sub-submenus. In terms of speed and performance, the competition leaves Internet Explorer behind.

However, Microsoft has an ace up its sleeve. With Windows 10, a new browser is being launched: Microsoft Edge. In addition to a neat and modern design, new browser techniques are expected to bring more speed and security.

In the end, personal preference decides which browser makes surfing the vastness of the World Wide Web the most enjoyable.

Your website looks different in Chrome than in Safari? We are happy to advise you and find the issues. We ensure optimal display in all current browsers and on all mobile devices. Contact us!