Which browser is better for web developers – Chrome Vs Safari

Choosing a web browser is a decision, for developers in the evolving world of Web development. Each phase of the development process, such as testing, debugging, coding, and optimizing performance significantly affects the browser’s performance. Among the browsers, Google Chrome and Apple Safari are widely used by developers. Let’s explore the features and functionalities of both Chrome and Safari to assist web developers.

Features required in an ideal browser for web developers:

• Comprehensive built-in tools (developer tools) for inspecting elements, debugging code, testing performance, and analyzing network activity.
• Responsiveness for Fast rendering, and loading speeds to ensure a smooth development experience.
• To ensure consistency of behavior between browsers, more support for web standards and technologies.
• Support for extensions that add features and tools specifically targeted towards developers.
• Profiling tools to identify performance bottlenecks and optimize code for speed, and advanced debugging tools to identify and fix code errors effectively.
• The built-in accessibility checker ensures that web content is inclusive and usable for all users

Challenges faced with web browsers:

• Browsers can consume a lot of resources, drain the battery life, and affect device performance.
• The main targets of hackers are browsers that require regular updates and security fixes.
• The collection and use of data by websites and browsers are often not granularly controlled by users.
• Browser updates and compatibility issues may arise at the rapid pace of web development.
• User data and security may be compromised by maliciously modified extensions.

Google Chrome web browser and its features:

This web browser is very popular in worldwide which is a free and open source developed by Google. It is most famous for its performance UI and a numerous range of features. There are the some of the following strengths of this browser:

• The assortment of extensions and customization options available, for Google Chrome is unparalleled.
• It supports platforms and devices seamlessly allowing users to have a browsing experience.
• Google Chrome excels in terms of performance and efficient use of system resources.

Chrome Developer tools:

• The Elements panel allows you to inspect and modify HTML, CSS or layout.
• JavaScript code execution, debugging errors, log messages are provided by the console component.
• You can set breakpoints in the source panel used to view and edit source codes.
• Network panel analyses requests and responses from the network.
• Performance panel The performance problems are identified.
• The lighthouse is a tool to check website performance, accessibility and search engine optimisation.

Chrome Developer tools

For simulation of various screen sizes and devices or specific devices, the responsive design mode and device mode is applied.

Responsiveness feature

An extension for Google Chrome is a small software program that adds new features or changes existing features of Google Chrome Web browser. Think of them as small applications that are residing within Chrome, improving your browser experience in a variety of ways.

The Chrome extension

Safari web browser and its features:

Safari is a browser created by Apple, which comes pre installed on all MacOS, iOS, iPadOS and Apple Watch devices. Safari is recognized for its integration, with Apples ecosystem and a few unique features although it is not as widely popular as Chrome. Lets take a look at its advantages:

• One of the strengths of Safari lies in its seamless integration, with the Apple ecosystem guaranteeing synchronization across various devices.
• Users can confidently depend on Safari for its robust privacy features that prioritize safeguarding data.
• Additionally it optimizes performance to ensure battery life and performance for apple devices.

Web Inspector:

• Access via Develop menu or right-click Inspect Element.
• Elements panel Inspects and modifies UI layout.
• Styles panel is used for viewing and editing CSS styles in real-time environment.
• Console part is used for execution of JavaScript, debugging errors, logging messages.
• Sources panel is used for viewing and editing source code, settings breakpoints of the application.
• Network panel analyses requests and responses from the network.
• Timelines panel monitors the JavaScript and CSS performance.

Safari web inspector

Responsiveness feature

Local Storage viewer used for inspection and manage local storage data. It also founded in the Storage tab of the Web Inspector.(added the official link in the references sections and The below image is also from their official documentation)

Local storage viewer

Safari technology preview has experimental features for testing and feedback and it is a app separated from the safari browser for trying out new technologies. .(added the official link in the references sections)

Safari technology viewer

Features Missing in Safari:

• For testing certain devices, no special emulation of the device is available.
• There is limited support for debugging connected devices.
• Compared to Chrome, the library for extensions is very small.
• Limited compatibility with other platforms was primarily focused on the Apple platform.

Differences between Chrome and safari web browser:

Features	Chrome	Safari
Platform Availability	Windows, macOS, Linux, Android and iOS	It is primarily designed for iOS devices such, as macOS, iOS, iPadOS and Apple Watch.
Speed and Performance	The V8 engine has undergone optimization to ensure loading times.	Similarly the WebKit engine is efficient. Delivers performance.
Extension Ecosystem	Vast library of extensions, for customization	Fewer extensions compared to Chrome, mostly focused on optimization for Apple platforms
Customization	Range of themes, extensions and settings.	Not as customizable as Chrome but it does prioritize integration with Apple services
Cross-Platform Integration	Ability to sync across devices, including non-Apple platforms.	Ensures an experience within the Apple ecosystem by utilizing Handoff, AirDrop and iCloud.
Privacy and Security	Employs Intelligent Tracking Prevention and sandboxing techniques while providing privacy reports.	Takes measures against site tracking and places a significant emphasis on user privacy.
Bonus Features	An incognito mode for browsing sessions and built in translator functionality.	Siri integration for added convenience, reader mode and a password manager feature along with split view capabilities.

Drawbacks comparison of Chrome and safari:

Features (having drawbacks)	Chrome	Safari
Privacy and Tracking	While Intelligent Tracking Prevention shows a focus, on privacy there are still concerns regarding Googles data collection practices.	There is cross site tracking prevention in place but it does come with some limitations when it comes to accessing certain privacy focused extensions.
Security Updates and Vulnerabilities	Regular updates are provided to enhance security. Its worth noting that there have been instances of vulnerabilities in the past	Although updates may be less frequent for some platforms, they tend to be considered secure due to their user base and effective sandboxing measures.
Accessibility	Offers good accessibility features however there may be challenges associated with extensions.	Built in accessibility features; some Apple exclusive accessibility tools may not be available.

Deciding between Chrome and Safari ultimately comes down to preferences, specific development requirements and the intended audience. Chrome stands out with its set of developer tools and wide range of extensions which makes it a popular choice, for users. On the hand Safari’s smooth integration with the Apple ecosystem and emphasis on privacy make it an appealing option for developers who’re heavily involved, in the Apple environment.