Firefox

Firefox

Firefox is a free and open-source web browser developed by the Mozilla Foundation and its subsidiary, Mozilla Corporation. It is available for various operating systems, including Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android. Firefox uses the Gecko layout engine to render web pages, which implements current and anticipated web standards.

History

The development of Firefox began as an experimental branch of the Mozilla project by Dave Hyatt and Blake Ross. It was initially released as "Phoenix" in 2002, which was later renamed "Firebird" and finally "Firefox" to avoid trademark issues. The first official release, Firefox 1.0, was launched on November 9, 2004.

Features

Firefox is known for its speed, security, and support for a wide range of web standards. Some of its notable features include:

• Tabbed Browsing: Allows users to open multiple web pages in a single window.
• Extensions and Themes: Users can customize their browser with a variety of add-ons and themes available from the Mozilla Add-ons website.
• Privacy and Security: Includes features like Enhanced Tracking Protection, Private Browsing, and HTTPS-Only Mode.
• Developer Tools: Provides a suite of tools for web developers, including an Inspector, Console, and Debugger.

Development

Firefox is developed by the Mozilla Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting an open and accessible internet. The development process is open to contributions from the community, and the source code is available under the Mozilla Public License.

Market Share

Firefox has historically been one of the most popular web browsers, competing with Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, and Apple Safari. Its market share has fluctuated over the years, but it remains a popular choice for users who value privacy and open-source software.

See Also

• Mozilla Thunderbird
• Web browser
• Open-source software

External Links

• Official Firefox Website
• Developer Documentation