This week, Apple’s open source WebKit codebase that powers nearly every relevant web browser and engine in use today, such as Safari and Chrome, has turned 10 years old. It was originally derived by Apple from the Konqueror browser’s KHTML software library to be used within Apple’s Safari browser.
The WebKit origins began back in 1998 as the KDE project’s HTML layout engine KHTML and KDE’s JavaScript engine (KJS). The name and project ‘WebKit’ were created in 2002 when Apple created a fork of KHTML.
Evolution and Impact of WebKit
WebKit is the layout engine designed to allow web browsers to render web pages and provides a set of classes to display web content in windows. It implements browser features such as following links when clicked by the user, managing a back-forward list, and managing a history of pages recently visited. Over the years, WebKit has evolved significantly, becoming the backbone of many modern web browsers.
One of the most notable impacts of WebKit is its role in the development of mobile browsing. When Apple introduced the iPhone in 2007, it used WebKit to power its mobile Safari browser. This move revolutionized mobile web browsing, offering a full desktop-like experience on a mobile device. The success of mobile Safari prompted other mobile browsers, including Android’s default browser, to adopt WebKit, further solidifying its dominance in the mobile space.
WebKit’s Influence on Modern Browsers
WebKit’s influence extends beyond just Safari and Chrome. Many other browsers and applications have adopted WebKit or its derivatives. For instance, the BlackBerry Browser, the Tizen browser, and even the Amazon Kindle’s experimental browser have all utilized WebKit at some point. Additionally, WebKit’s architecture has inspired other browser engines. For example, Google’s Blink engine, which powers Chrome and Opera, was originally a fork of WebKit.
The open-source nature of WebKit has also fostered a collaborative environment where developers from different companies and backgrounds can contribute to its development. This collaboration has led to rapid advancements in web technologies, ensuring that WebKit remains at the forefront of web standards and innovations.
WebKit’s role in the development of web standards cannot be overstated. It has been a driving force behind the adoption of HTML5, CSS3, and other modern web technologies. By implementing these standards early and effectively, WebKit has pushed the entire web ecosystem forward, encouraging other browser vendors to follow suit.
More information about WebKit is available here.
Source: Apple Outsider : Macgasm
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