Browser

What is a browser?

The dictionary defines a web browser as: "a computer program used to access websites or information on a network (such as the World Wide Web). "This is a simple but accurate description. A Browser "talks" to a server and asks it for the pages you want to see.

How a browser retrieves a web page

The browser application retrieves (or fetches) code, usually written in HTML (HyperText Markup Language) and other computer languages, from a web server. It then interprets that code and displays it as a web page that you can view. In most cases, user interaction is required to give the Browser to tell which website or specific web page you want to see. Using the browser's address bar is one way to do this.

The web address or URL (Uniform Resource Locator) that you enter in the address bar tells the Browser with where it should get a page or pages from. For example, let's say you want to get the following URL typed in the address bar: https://www.wolf-of-seo.de. This is the Homepage from wolf-of-seo.com.

The browser views a URL in two main sections

The first is the protocol - the https:// part. HTTP, which stands for HyperText Transfer Protocol, is the standard protocol used to request and transfer files on the Internet, mostly web pages and their components. Since the Browser now knows that the protocol is HTTP, it knows how to interpret everything to the right of the slashes.

The Browser looks at www.wolf-of-seo.de (the domain name), which corresponds to the Browser tells the location of the web server from which it needs to retrieve the page. Many Browser no longer need to specify the protocol when accessing a website. This means that entering "wolf-of-seo.de" is usually sufficient. At the end, you will often see additional parameters that help to further localize the site - typically specific pages within a website.

As soon as the Browser reached this web server, it retrieves the page in the main window, interprets it, and renders it for you. The process takes place behind the scenes, usually within seconds.

Popular web browsers

Web browsers come in many varieties, each with its own nuances. The most popular ones are free, and each has its own special options for privacy, security, interface, shortcuts and other variables. The main reason why a person chooses a particular Browser used, however, is the same: viewing web pages on the Internet, similar to viewing this article right now. You have probably heard of the following popular web browsers:

Google Chrome
Mozilla Firefox
Microsoft Edge
Opera

« Back to Glossary Index

FAQ

What is a browser?

A browser is a program that allows users to search the Internet and view websites. It is a tool that allows the user to browse the Internet instead of the user having to type text to view a particular website. The browser analyzes the requested link and then displays the corresponding website.

What are the types of browsers?

There are many different types of browsers, including Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Safari, Internet Explorer and Edge.

What are the advantages of a browser?

The advantages of a browser are numerous. First, it can allow users to browse the Internet and view websites faster and more efficiently. Second, many browsers can provide special features such as plug-ins and extensions that allow users to have a more optimal browsing experience. Third, browser software can alert users to certain websites or notify them of new features.

What security features does a browser offer?

Many browsers offer special security features that can help users browse the Internet more safely. These include the use of TLS encryption, phishing protection, and malware protection.

Can I install multiple browsers on the same computer?

Yes, you can install multiple browsers on the same computer. However, it is possible that some websites behave differently because of the different browser settings.

What is a private or incognito mode?

Private or incognito mode is a browser mode that allows users to browse the Internet without the browser storing website details. This can be useful for privacy protection because the browser does not store browsing history data that can normally be used to track users as they browse the Internet.

Can browsers be used on mobile devices?

Yes, of course browsers can be used on mobile devices. Most mobile devices have browser apps pre-installed. There are also many different types of browsers optimized for mobile devices, such as Chrome for Android and Safari for iOS.

Can browsers get extensions installed?

Yes, browsers can get extensions installed. These extensions can add many different features, including email notifications, pop-up blockers, dashboards, and much more.

What is a web browser cache?

A web browser cache is a location where the browser stores temporary copies of websites that the user has previously visited. When the user revisits the same website, the browser first looks for the copy in the cache to speed up the loading process.

Can you download files with a browser?

Yes, you can download files using a browser. The browser allows users to download files such as documents, images, videos, music, and more from websites.

With top positions to the new sales channel.

Let Google work for you, because visitors become customers.

Niels Stuck

Niels Stuck has 10 years of SEO experience and is the founder of the SEO agency "WOLF OF SEO". He gained practical experience by building 20+ affiliate sites alongside his marketing studies. Finally, he wrote his bachelor thesis about the influence of SEO on Google rankings, traffic and sales development in the form of a case study. Today, he specializes in e-commerce SEO and helps more than 80 companies build a sustainable organic revenue channel through SEO. Niels advises startups, established brands and corporations in search engine optimization of their online stores and primarily focuses on data-based content strategies and link building. He shares his knowledge about SEO and online marketing in this blog, as a speaker at conferences, in podcasts and as a guest author for OMT, Forbes, Starting Up and many more platforms.

All contributions

Social Media & Links: