The Web is for More Than Document Viewing

Ken Kocienda's recent tweet sparked a debate: "Web browsers are for viewing documents." I disagree. This statement ignores the web's vast capabilities, a point ironically underscored by Kocienda's own use of Twitter – a platform that clearly transcends simple document viewing. It's akin to criticizing cars while driving to the store.

The web's evolution is undeniable. The argument isn't about the web's current capabilities, but rather whether its expansive feature set was a mistake. The counter-proposal – reverting to a document-viewer-only web – is impractical and undesirable. It would stifle innovation and hand control to closed ecosystems.

The open web's strength lies in its open standards and ability to build upon them, avoiding the limitations of proprietary technologies and walled gardens. The simple power of URLs alone justifies its existence.

However, careful consideration is crucial. Noam Rosenthal's insightful piece, "Should The Web Expose Hardware Capabilities?", highlights this need for measured progress. Rosenthal echoes concerns about the pace of web development, balancing the desire for innovation with user experience and security. The tension between Google's rapid advancements and Apple's more cautious approach exemplifies this ongoing balancing act. While Mozilla remains a significant player, its influence on the web's overall trajectory is currently less pronounced than that of Google and Apple. The future of the web hinges on navigating this delicate balance between innovation and responsible development.

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