You already know Safari. It's the only browser that ships with OS X, in the same manner that Internet Explorer is the de facto browser for Windows. Safari rose to greater recognition as the iPhone's touchy-feely Web 2.0 client. You might be aware that OS X and Windows editions of Safari are released in parity, function identically, and are updated automatically through Apple Software Update in response to security and stability issues.
You likely also know that Safari is implemented using WebKit, an open source framework for embedded HTML clients. It's at that point that the relationship between Safari and WebKit becomes hazy. The common belief is that Safari is effectively a front-end wrapper for WebKit.
[ Safari is ahead of the curve in speed, standards, and good looks, but not in security -- find out why in the Test Center guide to browser security. ]
I'll set that record straight. The default browser on all of my Macs is named WebKit.app. There is another program in the Applications folder named Safari.app. When I launch WebKit.app, the menu bar shows the name "Safari." WebKit is Safari, plus everything the independent WebKit project folds into its nightly builds. Those builds are released as source and as Windows and OS X executables that users are not warned away from, but encouraged to use.
Safari is WebKit frozen at a stable release, validated, supported (except for betas), and documented by Apple. That's essential added value given that WebKit joins Core Data, Core Animation, and other Apple frameworks that provide developers with one way, a right way, to incorporate any application feature. The safe, supported WebKit and its vastly accelerated JavaScript interpreter will move developers to shift more applications to the Web. Steve Jobs spoke of this at the iPhone announcement. He just spoke too soon.
Racing JavaScript
A key feature -- if not the key feature -- in Safari 4 beta, is the SquirrelFish/Nitro JavaScript interpreter. WebKit calls its boosted JavaScript SquirrelFish, not exactly glossy brochure material. Apple renamed it Nitro Engine. JavaScript is the "j" in "AJAX," so is responsible for first page draw latency. To do the fastest browser takes the fastest JavaScript, but also quick server communication.
Apple's "fastest browser" boast is proved by SunSpider JavaScript Benchmark tests against Firefox 3.0.5, both running on OS X Leopard 10.5.6. The SunSpider JavaScript Benchmark suite is freely available online, where you can test any browser you like. Note that the benchmark resides on WebKit's site. Mozilla and Microsoft should challenge the results if they feel their browsers are misrepresented.
In my runs of the SunSpider benchmark, Safari 4 beta skunked Firefox, which is the primary browser for POSIX platforms. (See the Lab Notes blog for my results.) With Apple's backing and a quick chain for distributing updates, Safari is a browser you need to have. You can download Safari 4 beta, and browse features and screen images, at Apple's Safari site.
Read more about applications in InfoWorld's Applications Channel.
Get the independent advice and expertise you need to support a virtual workforce.
The increase in Linux popularity has increased the frequency and sophistication of malware attacks. Read this 2 page white paper now to learn how you can protect your Linux environment with real-time protection that is certified by all major Linux vendors.
Download now »
Ensuring acceptable application delivery will become even more difficult over the next few years. As a result, IT organizations need to ensure that the approach that they take to resolving the current application delivery challenges can scale to support the emerging challenges. This handbook elaborates on the key tasks associated with planning, optimization, management and control and provides decision criteria to help IT organizations choose appropriate solutions.
Download now »
A common misconception is that mid-range storage requirements are dramatically different than that of a larger enterprise. Mid-range storage users may require less capacity, but they have similar functionality and management requirements. This ESG paper examines mid-range storage needs and reviews a new solution that adjusts size while retaining value, performance and functionality.
Download now »
Sign up to receive InfoWorld Resource Alerts
Like any valuable resource, IT is a terrible thing to waste. But by applying the same lean techniques that have been used to streamline manufacturing processes, IT departments can reduce costs, improve performance and better manage resources.
Download now! »
Stephen Elliot, vice president of strategy for CA's Infrastructure Management and Data Center Automation business unit, explains why difficult economic times drive the need for simplified management capabilities and advanced automation tools.
Listen now! »
According to a recent study CA conducted with 300 CIOs and top IT executives, 64 percent of respondents say they've already invested in virtualization, and the other 36 percent reported that they plan to invest in virtualization.
Download now! »
In this video learn about process automation in a virtualized world. How CA and VMware are enabling enterprise datacenter automation.
View now! »
7 Recommendations
