Category 4 software profiles
Web Browsers & Web Publishing Software
Web browsers, content management systems and e-commerce for the open web.
Web browsers and publishing tools are the software on either end of a web page: one to build and run a website, the other to view it. Content management systems like WordPress let people publish without writing HTML, and e-commerce plugins turn those sites into online stores.
Open source runs deep in this category. Firefox, WordPress and WooCommerce are all developed in the open with large contributor communities, while the organizations behind them earn money from services such as hosting, search partnerships, extensions and payments. Choosing among them often involves trade-offs between control, convenience and privacy.
Browsers & Web Publishing: software on SoftwareLore
- FirefoxMozilla’s open-source web browser, built on its own Gecko engine Mozilla 2004 Free and open source
- WooCommerceThe open-source e-commerce plugin that turns WordPress sites into stores Automattic 2011 Free and open source
- WordPressOpen-source software for building blogs, websites and online stores Automattic 2003 Free and open source
- TumblrA microblogging and social platform known for fandoms, art and reblogs Automattic 2007 Freemium
Who makes Web Browsers & Web Publishing Software?
What to look for
Questions worth answering before choosing a tool in this category.
- 01
Hosted or self-hosted
Hosted services handle security updates and uptime, while self-hosted open-source software offers full control over code, plugins, data and hosting costs.
- 02
Extensibility
Plugin and theme ecosystems let sites add stores, memberships, forms and search without custom development, but every plugin adds maintenance work.
- 03
Performance and search
Fast page loads, clean URLs, structured data and mobile-friendly themes affect search visibility. Check what is built in and what requires extra plugins.
- 04
Browser choice
Browsers differ in privacy protections, extension support, sync features and the rendering engine they are built on. Independent engines help keep web standards open.
Browsers & Web Publishing: frequently asked questions
What is the difference between WordPress.com and WordPress.org?
WordPress.org is home to the free, open-source WordPress software, which anyone can download and install on their own web hosting. WordPress.com is a commercial service run by Automattic that hosts WordPress sites for customers, handling setup, security and maintenance in exchange for plan fees.
What is a content management system?
A content management system (CMS) lets people create, edit and publish website content through an interface instead of writing code. It separates content from design, so authors can update pages and posts while themes and templates control how the site looks.
Why does browser engine diversity matter?
Most browsers today are built on Google’s Chromium engine. Firefox, which uses Mozilla’s Gecko engine, is one of the few major independent alternatives, and many web advocates argue that several engines are needed to keep web standards open rather than defined by one company’s implementation.