Google Chrome Browser Set to Release

Jeffrey Scott -TypeHost Web Development — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 17:55:48 +0000

The web design community is buzzing with the news of the forthcoming release of a new browser from Google, code-name “Chrome”. As if it were not already enough problem coding pages that display consistently across Firefox, Internet Explorer 6 & 7, and Safari, the advent of another browser into the mix seems sure to make things more interesting. Initial word has the Chrome browser based on much of the same code base as Safari (Web Kit), though Google is spinning it as having been re-written largely from scratch. The news broke when Google released a 30 page comic book describing the browser “inadvertently” via email and then posted the comic online here. The comic has Google staff giving an overview of the decision making and code changes that went into the browser in a style reminiscent of the “Schoolhouse Rock” cartoons from the 70’s. The Google development team, depicted in line art wearing tie-dies and goatees, interact with JavaScript cartoon avatars lounging on couches making cell phone calls and anthropomorphic browsers thinking and dreaming icons. One character, while pounding on the browser with a hammer, states: “I don’t care if there’s one fewer cool feature. I just want this product to be rock solid.” In the previous frame, the browser is bolted onto the grill of a truck, and driven into a row of trash cans, to simulate reckless testing. Needless to say, the comic is pretty hilarious and worth a look.

With Chrome, the biggest change is that the browser uses multiple processes rather than multiple threads, meaning that each tab is independent of the others and keeps its processes separate. This is said to assist in rendering JavaScript, and also with memory management. If one tab freezes or crashes, it is only that tab that will be closed, not the whole browser. Chrome also offers advanced information about the memory and CPU use of every part of a web page, including plug-ins individually, to help with debugging or sorting out problems. Google has already tested Chrome on millions of web pages, and the beta version of the browser is reported to display 99% accurately. Does this mean they display the same way as in Firefox or as in Safari? With web design requiring accuracy down to the pixel level, and already too many problems between the way pages display in IE vs. FF, this is not a small question. I generally test the pages I design in IE6, IE7, and FF3 currently, and ignore Safari as I work on a Windows platform and don’t need the extra worry. Even though Chrome will only be released for Windows machines initially, with Mac and Linux versions following next, it will certainly be necessary to add this browser to the test pattern.

Google has just released a FAQ for Chrome that includes this information on the features web designers will be able to use to test pages in the browser:

“There are several tools to help you test your website in Google Chrome:

Web Inspector

Right-click on any component on a web page to launch the web inspector. You’ll be able to see the elements and resources associated with the component on which you clicked, including a hierarchy view of the DOM and a JavaScript console.

Task Manager

Select the Page menu icon, then Developer > Task Manager (or press Shift+Esc). The task manager shows all running Google Chrome processes, and the resources that they’re using (memory, CPU, and network).

JavaScript Debugger

Select the Page menu icon, then Developer > Debug JavaScript. This launches a JavaScript debugger that can be used to attach to existing processes.”

Though web developers are sure to lead the wave in being the first to download and test the new Chrome browser, it is clear that Google is looking for a much wider market share than just this niche community. The browser has a redesigned look that will immediately set it apart from the competition. In Chrome, the tabs are displayed at the very top of the browser (see screenshot ). Whether this is simply an aesthetic choice, an attempt to build brand identity, an optimization for use with the Android phone, or related to the mythical Google operating system, only time will tell. In all likelihood, the answer is all of the above. Get ready for the release of Chrome for download within hours, and check back for more reports on the beta of this new browser from Google.

Web Dev News » Web Browsers – News for Web Developers

Google Chrome Browser Set to Release

Google Official Blog:

Google Chrome Download Page

Official Google Chrome Features Page