what is a web browser
Quick Scoop
A web browser is a software program that lets you access and view websites on the World Wide Web. It fetches web pages from servers and displays text, images, videos, links, and other content in a readable format.
How it works
- You type a website address, or URL, into the browser.
- The browser sends a request to the website’s server.
- The server returns files like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
- The browser interprets those files and shows the page on your screen.
Common examples
Popular web browsers include Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Mozilla Firefox, and Safari. Browsers often include features like tabs, back and forward buttons, bookmarks, and private browsing.
Browser vs. search engine
A browser is the app you use to open websites, while a search engine is a service inside the browser that helps you find pages. People often mix them up, but they are not the same thing.
A simple way to think about it: the browser is the “window” to the web, and the search engine is one of the tools you can use through that window.
TL;DR: A web browser is the app that loads and displays websites for you.