WordPress, the world’s leading Content Management System (CMS), is considering dropping support for Internet Explorer (IE) in the near future. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at why WordPress is considering this move, what it means for website owners, and what alternatives are available.
Introduction
For many years, Internet Explorer was the dominant web browser in the market, with over 90% of the market share at its peak. However, with the emergence of modern browsers like Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox, IE’s market share has declined sharply. Today, IE accounts for less than 2% of all web traffic, according to StatCounter.
The Problem with Supporting IE
Supporting old browsers like IE is a major headache for web developers and CMS platforms like WordPress. Here are some of the reasons why:
Security Vulnerabilities
Older versions of Internet Explorer have several known security vulnerabilities that can be exploited by hackers. As a result, supporting IE can make websites and web applications more vulnerable to cyber-attacks.
Compatibility Issues
Older browsers like IE don’t support many of the modern web technologies and standards used in web development today. This means that websites and web applications that are designed to work with modern browsers may not work properly on older browsers like IE.
Increased Development Time and Cost
Supporting older browsers like IE requires additional development time and cost. This is because web developers have to write and test code that works on both modern browsers and older browsers like IE.
Poor User Experience
Older browsers like IE may not display web pages properly, resulting in a poor user experience. This can lead to frustration for users and can cause them to leave the website.
Why WordPress is Considering Dropping IE Support
Given the above issues with supporting IE, it’s not surprising that WordPress is considering dropping support for the browser. Here are some of the reasons why:
Security Concerns
As we mentioned earlier, older browsers like IE are more vulnerable to cyber-attacks. By dropping support for IE, WordPress can reduce the risk of security breaches and protect its users.
Improved Performance
By dropping support for IE, WordPress can take advantage of modern web technologies and standards that are not supported by older browsers. This can result in faster website loading times and a better overall user experience.
Reduced Development Time and Cost
By dropping support for IE, WordPress can reduce development time and cost, as developers will no longer have to write and test code that works on both modern browsers and older browsers like IE.
Industry Trends
As we mentioned earlier, the use of older browsers like IE has declined significantly over the years. By dropping support for IE, WordPress can stay up-to-date with industry trends and focus on developing for modern browsers.
What Does This Mean for Website Owners?
If you’re a website owner who uses WordPress, you may be wondering what this means for your website. Here are some of the things to keep in mind:
Your Website May Not Work Properly on IE
If you’re still using IE to access websites, you may notice that some WordPress websites don’t work properly on the browser. This is because the website may be designed to work with modern browsers and may not be compatible with IE.
You May Need to Upgrade Your Browser
If you’re using IE to access websites, you may need to upgrade to a modern browser like Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox to ensure that you can access all websites properly.
Your Website May Perform Better on Modern Browsers
If you’re using a modern browser like Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox to access websites, you may notice that WordPress websites perform better on these browsers than on IE. This is because modern browsers support the latest web technologies and standards.
Alternatives to Internet Explorer
If you’re still using Internet Explorer and need to switch to a modern browser, there are many alternatives available. Here are some of the most popular ones:
Google Chrome
Google Chrome is currently the most popular web browser, with over 60% of the market share. It’s known for its speed, stability, and compatibility with modern web technologies.
Mozilla Firefox
Mozilla Firefox is an open-source web browser that’s known for its privacy features and customization options. It’s also compatible with modern web technologies and standards.
Microsoft Edge
Microsoft Edge is the successor to Internet Explorer and is designed to be faster and more secure than its predecessor. It’s also compatible with modern web technologies and standards.
Apple Safari
Apple Safari is the default web browser on Apple devices like iPhones and Macs. It’s known for its speed, stability, and compatibility with modern web technologies.
Conclusion
WordPress is considering dropping support for Internet Explorer, given the many issues with supporting older browsers like IE. By dropping support for IE, WordPress can improve security, performance, and development time and cost. If you’re a website owner who still uses IE, you may need to switch to a modern browser like Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox to ensure that you can access all websites properly.
FAQs
- Why is WordPress considering dropping support for Internet Explorer?
WordPress is considering dropping support for Internet Explorer due to security concerns, compatibility issues, increased development time and cost, and poor user experience.
- What are the alternatives to Internet Explorer?
The alternatives to Internet Explorer include Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, and Apple Safari.
- What does this mean for website owners who use WordPress?
If you’re a website owner who uses WordPress, you may need to switch to a modern browser like Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox to ensure that you can access all websites properly.
- Is Internet Explorer still safe to use?
Internet Explorer is not as safe to use as modern web browsers like Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox, as it has several known security vulnerabilities.
- What are the benefits of using a modern web browser?
Using a modern web browser like Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox can improve website performance, compatibility, and security.