Chromium-based browsers are as free as the platform itself. It was developed by Google according to the principle that allows unauthorized persons to edit, modify, delete and add their elements to the original code. Creating browsers and other programs based on Chromium is a legal activity; all successful innovations will be published on the platform website.
Thanks to legal and technical openness in a short period of time, many, maybe not so famous, but found their users browsers spread. We are talking about “Opera”, “Internet”, “Yandex.Browser”, etc.
History
The browser of the same name based on Chromium is slightly different from the notorious Google Chrome. The main difference can be called proprietary code in the second embodiment. It is distributed to the masses under its own license. Outwardly, the programs are quite similar.
The browser based on Chromium began to be created in the summer of 2008. Initially, the developers planned that this software would become an assistant to programmers, allowing them to create their own project on the basis of an already prepared platform. In order to facilitate the work of beginners, special forums, groups and discussions have been created. In them, professionals can share experience, help, point out errors in modules and other shortcomings with subsequent correction.
Platform advantages
Chromium-based browsers got many of the features due to the platform, which is designed for fast work, universal task execution and easy operation.
- Speed of work. In order to write a module, the developers used a special WebKit engine. There were no problems with its installation, as it is easy to operate, and also freely distributed on the Internet. There were some problems with JavaScript processing, so Google programmers found it necessary to write a module from scratch. This made it possible to speed up the browser based on Chromium. A bit later, support for accelerating 2D and 3D content appeared. A more nimble platform was made by such improvements as preliminary reading of DNS, etc. It was this factor that played a major role in choosing the right base for creating other softwares.
- Safety and reliability. The programmers of the company, creating the platform, paid attention to the so-called sandbox in order to secure all the projects created on this base. Processes that are activated in this mode do not affect the total memory of the system. Of course, installed modules for protection against viruses, phishing; The virus database is constantly updated. This allows the platform to be most invulnerable.
- Reliability at work. Modules participating in a browser or other program do not affect the performance of neighboring blocks. Due to this, if a failure occurs in some subroutine, it will not affect the overall process. The same system allows you to prevent the block, which "fell", to affect the operation of the collateral.
- Formats All Chromium-based browsers are able to display almost all graphic images and multimedia. However, this does not apply to those that are not freely distributed. Therefore, formats such as MP3, AAC and others are not played.
- Modules The leading reason for the popularity of the platform is that you can add your own modules. They will expand the capabilities of the browser, make it more successful and convenient.
In fact, Google has created a ready-made platform. Other developers only needed to come up with graphic design, add their own modules (prepare them yourself or use existing ones) - and the product is ready.
"Google Chrome"
The browser based on Chromium "Google Chrome" is the main among all existing on this platform. This is because it was created by Google itself. Only new modules were added to automate the work in the program. New features have improved the browser, allowing you to fully use it on a laptop computer. In this case, it turned out that the platform became the basis for new software, and not vice versa.
There is an opinion that popularity came to Chrome not only due to its functionality and additional services, but also from PR from its own company. This program was the first in the last few years to become so "advanced by default."
Well-known browsers on the platform
Thanks to the success of Google, other search engines (Yandex, Mile.ru, Rambler) began to create browsers based on Chromium.
- "Yandex browser". Presented to the public in 2012. The announcement for the Windows operating system took place on the first day of October; a year later, versions for Android and MacOS appeared. The program has all the services from a search engine. In addition to them, there is a program for viewing PDF files, various documents. Do not worry about the fact that you can catch a virus - a module from Kaspersky is installed in the browser.
- The Internet. Browser from "Mile.ru".
- Rambler. Program from "Rambrera".
Why so much variety? The answer is obvious! Each search engine wants to bind regular users to itself. After all, the software has both free services and those that bring good income.
Little-known programs on the platform
Unfortunately, not every browser based on Chromium, reviews of which are not always positive, is becoming popular. This can be explained by a complex interface, unnecessary functions. The network has many different programs that are quite interesting instances, but in everyday practice they are inconvenient to use.
- Maxthon Judging by the characteristics, this browser is the only one that is written on the platform from scratch.
- Torch. This browser has a special torrent client. There is a module for downloading songs and videos from servers such as YouTube. In other elements, the program is no different from other similar ones.
- Comodo Dragon is a browser based on Chromium without ads. This software focuses on security and privacy. Other browsers have a module for collecting information about the user and the computer, but such a modification is not included here.
- CoolNovo - development from Chinese programmers. She has special services: from downloads to ad blocking.
All of these programs, of course, are used by users, but not as often as generally accepted versions.
The best "clone" of Google Chrome
Yandex is a browser based on Chromium, whose photo above has become popular due to rumors about the new Chrome “clone”. Many users expected a complete mess: idle modules, problems with page loading. However, such concerns have not been confirmed. Among the "bonuses" it should be noted visual bookmarks, which are somewhat reminiscent of the panel from the "Opera".
The browser, which appeared in 2010, was originally called Yandex Chrome. This does not contradict the license, therefore, the claims of the company "Google" at first did not arise. After Mail.ru announced a version called “Chrome@mail.ru”, the original company asked to change the names for the software.
Another browser based on Chromuim (without ads) “Rambler” used a very interesting way. "Nichrome" - the so-called program from the search engine. "Google" this time did not express the slightest objection.