Web History experts, Ben Goodger and Darin Fisher, discuss the evolution of the web, their early experiences with the internet, the rivalry between Internet Explorer and Netscape, and their involvement in the Mozilla project.
The early days of the web were filled with excitement and limitless possibilities, with browsers like Mosaic and Internet Explorer 2.0 enabling users to explore and contribute to the web.
The emergence of Internet Explorer and the creation of Mozilla as an open-source project transformed the software industry, showcasing the potential for profitability in the web industry and allowing for rapid development and bug triaging.
Deep dives
The Early Days of the Web
The podcast episode begins with the hosts discussing how they first became involved with the web and their experiences during its early days. They recall using browsers like Mosaic and Internet Explorer 2.0, and the excitement of exploring the limitless possibilities of the web. They also mention the influence of physical media, like magazines and CDs, in learning about and accessing the web. The episode highlights the empowering aspect of being able to contribute to the web and the ease of making changes and seeing immediate results. They touch upon the shift from shrink-wrapped software to easily updated web content and the viral nature of the web due to the power of linking and sharing.
The Rise of Internet Explorer and Mozilla
The hosts discuss the emergence of Internet Explorer and its dominance in the browser market, as well as the competition it posed to Netscape. They mention how Netscape's IPO signaled the potential for profitability in the web industry. The hosts also talk about the creation of Mozilla as an open-source project and its rallying call to passionate web developers worldwide. They share how the collaborative nature of Mozilla allowed for rapid development and triaging of bugs, and the diverse contributions from various individuals. The episode emphasizes the transformative impact of open-source software and the role that Mozilla played in reshaping the software industry.
The Evolution and Complexity of Web Browsers
The podcast concludes with the hosts acknowledging the vast complexity and challenges involved in building web browsers. They mention the size of modern browser engines like Chromium and WebKit, which have millions of lines of code and thousands of person-years of investment. They highlight the technical sophistication that has been achieved over time, enabling powerful features and effects on the web. The hosts also express their excitement about the continuous evolution and improvement of web development tools, making it easier for developers and designers to create more sophisticated and visually stunning web experiences.