Web Browser

Last Updated : 24 Oct, 2026

Application software that allows users to access, search, and view information on the World Wide Web by communicating with web servers is known as a web browser. It enables smooth navigation of websites by retrieving and displaying online content in an interactive format.

  • Displays web pages with text, images, videos, and links in a user-friendly manner
  • Sends and receives data using HTTP/HTTPS protocols to load websites securely
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Working of a Web Browser

  • The user enters a website URL into the browser.
  • The browser contacts a DNS (Domain Name System) server to convert the domain name into an IP address.
  • Using the IP address, the browser sends a request to the web server .
  • The server responds with web content such as HTML, CSS, images and scripts.
  • The browser processes and renders this content into a readable webpage.

Website Cookies

Small text files stored by a web browser to save information about a user’s activity and preferences on a website are cookies

  • Enhances user experience by remembering preferences and login sessions
  • Enables personalization by tracking browsing behavior
  • Supports targeted advertising by storing user interests

Note: For more details refer to this article on cookies here.

Core Architecture of Web Browser

  • The User Interface sends the user’s request to the Browser Engine , which manages the browsing process.
  • The Rendering Engine displays the webpage by interpreting HTML, CSS, and executing JavaScript for interactivity.
  • Networking and UI Backend work together to fetch data from the internet and render visual elements on the screen.
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Web Browser Architecture
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Different Browsers

1. Google Chrome :Developed by Google, Chrome is one of the most widely-used web browsers in the world, known for its speed and simplicity.

2. Microsoft Edge : Developed by Microsoft, Edge is the default browser on Windows 10 and is known for its integration with other Microsoft products and services.

3. Apple Safari :Developed by Apple, Safari is the default browser on Mac and iOS devices and is known for its speed and integration with other Apple products.

4. Comet Browser ( Perplexity) : A lightweight and fast web browser focused on simple, distraction-free browsing with basic privacy and performance features.

5. ChatGPT Atlas : It is an AI-powered browser assistant that helps users search, understand, and interact with web content more efficiently.

6. Brave :Developed by Brave Software, Brave is a web browser that is focused on privacy and security and blocks third-party ads and trackers by default.

7. Opera:Developed by Opera Software, Opera is a web browser that is known for its speed and built-in VPN feature.

Note: These are some of the most popular web browsers, there are other browsers available such as Vivaldi, Waterfox, and so on. The choice of a web browser depends on the user's preference and requirements. To know more about individual browsers please go through our Browser – A Complete Overview

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