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Firefox Increases Stability with Multiprocessor Browsing

Posted 07/08/09 at 05:01:32 PM  by Andy Salisbury

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Mozilla just launched a new project, named Electrolysis, which is meant to bring multiprocess browsing to Firefox. And, according to Mozilla, this project has allowed them to improve Firefox’s performance, security and stability. Developers of the project have already put together a prototype that’s able to render a page in a separate process from the interface shell that it’s displayed in.

Apparently the idea of implementing multiprocessing into the browser didn’t gain much traction until its use by Google and Microsoft in Chrome and IE8. Chrome’s multiprocess architecture allows it to fill in security holes, and it prevents page specific glitches from crashing the entire browser – something that Mozilla hopes to do as well.

There’s no word yet if the multiprocess browsing will be ready in time for the next release of Firefox, but the work will be done separately so as not to impede the current stages of development.

 

Image Credit: Ars Technica

COMMENTS:6
TAGS: microsoft, Google, firefox, browser, Mozilla, IE8, Internet Explorer 8, chrome
COMMENTS
avatarFunny

Submitted by mesiah on Wed, 07/08/2009 - 8:26pm

It's funny, we all used to flock to browsers like firefox for being innovative and setting standards. Now here we are, still using firefox (me included) and they don't even have a 64 bit browsers half way through 2009. And they are just now seriously concidering multiproccessing? 5 years ago to have microsoft beat us to the punch on something like 64 bit would be astonishing. Now we just make excuses about plugins this and compatibility that. Hog wash! After mozillas last glitchy point release, and lethargic acceptance of technology I'm starting to look towards chrome, or even possibly back at IE. I'm all about supporting the little guy, but he needs to pull his own weight.

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avatarI agree somewhat...but

Submitted by lien_meat on Fri, 07/10/2009 - 1:03pm

one of the main reasons firefox isn't 64 bit is because important plugins like flash and java aren't 64 bit (or unstable like the flash 64bit plugin).  if you REALLY want 64 bit firefox, run linux.  Lots of 64 bit enthusiasts have it running fine in linux.  And yeah...multiprocessing...I agree, it's REALLY sad that it's taken firefox this long. Probably half the reason is because they are still using geko redering engine i'm guessing, which is just an evolved version of netscape's renderer.

### I'm an idiot, and I approve this message ###

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avatarWhat I don't understand is

Submitted by I Jedi on Wed, 07/08/2009 - 5:49pm

What I don't understand is why this didn't gain much traction until after IE8 and Chrome did this? What exactly was the reason given for not pursuing such a great idea?

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avatarSo the next release could

Submitted by yogurt80 on Wed, 07/08/2009 - 3:49pm

So the next release could potentially be both a 64 bit environment and support multi- processor?  ABOUT TIME!!  w00t!!

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avatarI'm crossing my fingers. .:

Submitted by n0ctis on Wed, 07/08/2009 - 7:07pm

I'm crossing my fingers.

.: vires et honos :.

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avatarHell yea.  I have 4 cores

Submitted by Tekzel on Wed, 07/08/2009 - 2:15pm

Hell yea.  I have 4 cores in this bitch, make use of them!

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