firefox

Firefox is a free and open-source web browser developed by the Mozilla Foundation and its subsidiary Mozilla Corporation. It is available for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS, and is one of the major desktop and mobile browsers used worldwide. The project emphasizes user choice, privacy, and performance, and is maintained by a global community of developers.

Firefox originated from the Mozilla project and has undergone several name changes in its early history, including Phoenix and Firebird, before the Firefox brand was adopted. It uses the Gecko rendering engine and, with the Quantum project launched in 2017, has focused on performance improvements, a multi-process architecture, and enhanced security. The browser is continuously updated through rapid release cycles.

Key features include tabbed browsing, bookmarking, a built-in screenshot tool, and a reader mode. It supports WebExtensions for add-ons, providing a large ecosystem of extensions and themes. Privacy tools are a core focus, with Enhanced Tracking Protection, private browsing, and options for blocking third-party content. Firefox also supports DNS over HTTPS, password management, and synchronization of bookmarks and settings across devices via a Firefox account.

In terms of licensing and development, Firefox source code is released under the Mozilla Public License 2.0, with components under other open-source licenses. The project encourages community contributions and transparent development processes. Firefox is widely used as an alternative to other major browsers, reflecting Mozilla’s mission to promote an open and accessible internet.