Because the market wasn’t crowded enough with different, free web browsers, Google has decided to add their own browser, called Chrome. So now in addition to Internet Explorer (active versions are 6 and 7, with 8 in beta) we now also have Firefox (with versions 2 and 3 both being actively used), Opera, Safari, and now Chrome. This does make it a bit challenging for a web developer to work.I’ve had a chance to use the new browser for a couple of days, and I thought I would give my thoughts, both from a user and a web developers stand point.
For the End User
From the average user’s point of view, why should you change. If you have a browser you like, and works well enough for you, what is another browser really going to buy you?
The main thing, is that Google has placed an emphasis on stability (Chrome will only partially crash – i.e. the tab which has the bad page), and safety (from hacking and phishing attempts). Other browsers are not so lucky.
If you rely on many of Google’s services, such as Gmail, Google Reader, Google Docs, etc., you should also see a speed increase.
Advanced users will enjoy the ability to close tabs as a process if necessary.
For the Web Developer and Web Site Owner
This will add another level of complexity to your web site design. Luckily as a standards based browser, it should work well, if your site already works well with Safari and Firefox for example.
If you are developing complex client side apps, it should help you, as it works to improve the performance of the site.
Looking Forward
I’m currently writing two more posts regarding Chrome: You Should Use Chrome, and Why You Ought To Avoid Chrome. I will also look at a Internet Explorer and Firefox in upcoming posts, so look for those as well.
About Walter Wimberly