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Google Chrome — web browser developed by Google

Google Chrome is a cross-platform web browser from Google, built on the open Chromium project, known for its speed, sandboxed architecture, extension ecosystem and integration with Google services.

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Overview

Google Chrome is a widely used, proprietary web browser developed and maintained by Google. It originated from the open-source Chromium project and combines a rendering engine, a JavaScript runtime, and a user interface designed for simplicity and speed. The product name refers to the browser's graphical frame or "chrome" around web content.

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Design and key components

Chrome is built around a multi-process architecture that isolates tabs and plugins to improve stability and security. Its JavaScript execution is handled by the V8 engine, which focuses on performance. The browser originally used the WebKit layout engine, but Google later introduced the Blink engine as a fork of WebKit to pursue independent development. Chrome also provides a set of development tools for debugging, performance profiling and inspecting web pages.

History and development

The first public beta of Google Chrome for Microsoft Windows was released on 2 September 2008. Versions for macOS and Linux followed in late 2009. The open-source Chromium project serves as the upstream codebase and is used by other browsers and operating systems. Over time Chrome has incorporated features such as automatic updates, sandboxing of web content, and a permissions model for extensions.

Uses, ecosystem and platforms

Chrome runs on desktop platforms (Windows, macOS, Linux) and on mobile devices (Android and iOS), and it forms the basis of Chrome OS on Chromebooks. Its extension system and online store allow users and developers to extend browser functionality. Chrome supports modern web standards, progressive web apps, and synchronization of bookmarks, history and settings through a user account.

Variants, distinctions and notable issues

Chromium is the open-source project that underpins Chrome; the branded Chrome release includes proprietary components such as certain media codecs, built-in PDF support, and automatic update mechanisms. Chrome has been praised for speed and compatibility but has also attracted scrutiny over resource consumption and privacy because of its deep integration with Google services. On Apple platforms, iOS versions of Chrome must use Apple's WebKit framework due to platform rules.

Further reading and resources

Questions and answers

Q: What is Google Chrome?

A: Google Chrome is a freeware web browser made by Google that was first released in 2008.

Q: Does Google Chrome use parts from other open source software?

A: Yes, Google Chrome uses parts from other open source software, including WebKit and Mozilla Firefox.

Q: Where does the name "Google Chrome" come from?

A: The name "Google Chrome" comes from the graphical user interface frame, or "chrome", of web browsers.

Q: What is the open source project behind Google Chrome known as?

A: The open source project behind Google Chrome is known as Chromium.

Q: When was the first version of Google Chrome released for Microsoft Windows?

A: The first version of Google Chrome for Microsoft Windows was released on 2 September 2008.

Q: When were the macOS and Linux versions of Google Chrome released?

A: The macOS and Linux versions of Google Chrome were released in December 2009.

Q: Is Google Chrome a free web browser?

A: Yes, Google Chrome is a freeware web browser made by Google.

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