Browser Diversity: Why Slower Web Standards Might Be a Good Thing
Years before Microsoft retired Edge's own engine, Rachel Nabors compared browser diversity to the biodiversity of an ecosystem—arguing that variety brings concrete benefits. Now, with Mozilla's recent restructuring raising fresh concerns, that ecological thinking is getting another look.
Dave Rupert offers a contrarian perspective: multiple browser engines deliberately slow down web standards work. That's often seen as a source of frustration, but Rupert suggests the friction can be valuable.
There’s a lot of value in slow thinking. You use the non-lizard side of your brain. You make more deliberate decisions. You prioritize design over instant gratification.
Fewer engines would certainly crank up the pace—but fast isn't always better, as the saying about brisket implies. The existing cooperation mechanisms and intentional pause could disappear along with that diversity.
If we do see a major reduction in browser diversity, I think we lose the intentional slowness and the cooperation mechanisms we have in place. Who knows what will happen, but my hope is that just like iron can sharpen iron, maybe chromium can sharpen chromium.
