IT System Practical - Detailed Study of
Web Browser
Objective:
To gain an in-depth understanding of web browsers, their architecture,
functionalities, and comparison between different browsers.
Apparatus / Tools Required:
- Computer or laptop with an internet connection
- Installed web browsers (Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, etc.)
- Access to websites for testing
- Notepad or document editor for recording observations
Introduction:
A web browser is a software application used to retrieve, present, and traverse
information on the World Wide Web. It acts as an interface between the user and
the web server. The main function of a browser is to render HTML documents
and support multimedia and scripting content.
Working of Web Browser:
1. The user enters a URL in the address bar.
2. The browser sends an HTTP/HTTPS request to the web server.
3. The server processes the request and sends back the requested web page.
4. The browser receives the response and renders the page using its rendering
engine.
5. Additional resources like CSS, JavaScript, and images are fetched and
rendered accordingly.
Components of a Web Browser:
1. **User Interface** - Includes address bar, back/forward button, bookmarking,
etc.
2. **Browser Engine** - Bridges the UI and rendering engine.
3. **Rendering Engine** - Displays the requested content (e.g., Blink in Chrome,
Gecko in Firefox).
4. **Networking** - Handles internet communication.
5. **JavaScript Interpreter** - Executes JavaScript code (e.g., V8 in Chrome).
6. **UI Backend** - Draws widgets such as combo boxes and windows.
7. **Data Storage** - Stores cookies, local storage, cache, and databases.
Procedure:
1. Open multiple web browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Edge).
2. Navigate to the same website (e.g., https://www.wikipedia.org).
3. Compare the loading speed, appearance, and functionality.
4. Use Developer Tools to inspect elements and monitor network activity.
5. Try out private browsing/incognito mode in each browser.
6. Explore browser settings including homepage, default search engine, and
extensions.
7. Record your observations regarding performance, features, and user
experience.
Observations:
During the study, it was observed that:
- Chrome has the fastest performance but uses more system resources.
- Firefox emphasizes privacy and user customization.
- Edge offers tight integration with Windows and has balanced performance.
- All browsers support web standards and offer developer tools for debugging
and inspection.
- UI and feature availability vary, giving users flexibility in choice.
Comparison Table:
A table comparing popular web browsers can be added here manually for
detailed comparison (e.g., speed, privacy, support, extensions).
Conclusion:
Web browsers are crucial tools for accessing and interacting with the internet.
Understanding their architecture, capabilities, and differences helps users make
informed decisions. For students and professionals alike, knowing how to use
browser tools, manage privacy, and optimize settings is essential for effective
web navigation and development.