What is ie

History of Internet Explorer

Internet Explorer (IE) was created by Microsoft as a web browser to compete in the early internet era. Initially bundled with Windows 95, it quickly became the dominant browser due to the prevalence of Windows operating systems. By the early 2000s, IE controlled the vast majority of the browser market, making it the de facto standard for web browsing.

Key Features and Versions

Throughout its 27-year history, Internet Explorer went through numerous versions, from IE 1.0 to IE 11. Early versions were quite basic, but later iterations added features like tabbed browsing (IE 7), improved CSS support, and developer tools. However, IE consistently lagged behind competitors like Firefox, Safari, and Chrome in terms of performance and standards compliance.

Problems and Criticisms

Internet Explorer became infamous among web developers for its poor support of web standards and slow performance. The phrase "this website is best viewed in Internet Explorer" became a running joke. Compatibility issues forced developers to write special code just to support IE, wasting countless hours. Security vulnerabilities were also frequent, making IE a target for malware.

Market Decline and Discontinuation

As Chrome, Firefox, and Safari improved and gained market share, IE's dominance crumbled. By 2012, its market share had fallen below 50%. Microsoft announced in 2021 that IE would be retired, with support officially ending on June 15, 2022. The company directed all IE users to Microsoft Edge, its modern replacement browser that uses the Chromium engine.

Legacy and Impact

Internet Explorer's decline marked a shift in web browser competition and standards adoption. Its retirement symbolized the end of an era where a single operating system controlled internet browsing. Today, Internet Explorer is primarily remembered for the frustrations it caused developers and its role in early internet history.