A web browser, or browser for short, is specialized software for displaying content from the World Wide Web and other Internet services. In addition to displaying websites, browsers open various file formats such as sound, text, image or video files.
Originally developed as computer applications, there are now also mobile web browsers for smartphones. The term “browsing” describes clicking through hyperlinks on external websites, which is the main purpose of a browser. Web browsers require a functioning internet connection in order to display websites correctly. In addition to the HTTP protocol, browsers also support other services such as FTP. They make it easier to navigate the WWW with functions such as bookmarks, navigation buttons or a navigation history. Modern browsers enable the display of various file formats and are used on smartphones as well as computers.
Popular browsers include Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome and Apple Safari. The previously used Internet Explorer has been replaced by Microsoft Edge. Browser settings can influence search results, so SEOs should regularly delete the history. Modern browsers offer numerous security features and additional functions to improve the user experience.