Google: Chrome Doesn't Need No Stinkin' http:// Prefix
Google: Chrome Doesn't Need No Stinkin' http:// Prefix
Posted 04/20/2010 at 11:11am
| by Paul Lilly
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Google's been known to challenge conventions a time or two, and it looks like the search giant is getting ready to do it again. If you're rocking the Web with the latest developer version of Chrome, then you may have noticed Google has done away with the http:// prefix. That's not a bug, but by design.
Apparently Google thinks the prefix just isn't needed anymore, so they're toying with the idea of hiding it altogether. But as some experimental Chrome users have pointed out, this may not be the best idea.
"Many blogs, message boards, email viewing software, instant messaging software, etc. depend on matching against http:// to auto-link URLs. Removing http:// will train end-users to omit it, which will have a negative impact on usability all over the web," one user commented.
As another user points out, this could pose a problem with some of Google's own products. The Google Talk desktop client, for example, doesn't auto-link URL fragments without the http:// prefix.
Do you think it's a good idea to ditch the prefix? Hit the jump and sound off.
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15
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haboh
April 20, 2010 at 3:10pm
updated chrome just now, but still seeing the http.. Why am I missing out on this "feature"?
Biceps
April 20, 2010 at 1:40pm
What about the secure sites? HTTPS:// - it's important to know you are actually on an encrypted page when you are. So, is google doing away with https:// as well? If so, how am I supposed to know if I have been sent to an https:// page and that it is, in fact, secure?
damicatz
April 20, 2010 at 12:28pm
Is it really that difficult to follow the RFCs? Single Google Chrome also browses FTP sites, which do not use the HTTP protocol, this is only going to lead to unneccessary confusion.
Digital-Storm
April 20, 2010 at 12:24pm
I already only type "maximumpc.com" not including the www. or the http://
rabbit01
April 20, 2010 at 1:17pm
I type whatever is in between www & com, and press ctrl-enter. The browser then adds www & com.
Digital-Storm
April 20, 2010 at 2:10pm
honestly, I think all websites should prepare their websites to be accessable without the www. I hate going to websites that require me to include the www.xxxxxxxxxxx.com
damaddok
April 20, 2010 at 9:05pm
Yeah, there's certain sites that are really irritating. Like Gameradar, which I always forget has to have the www, or it gives me a 404 Not Found.
crazitrain02
April 20, 2010 at 12:03pm
The WWW. is a waste of time and space, and is a huge headache when purchasing SSL certificates.
I think getting rid of the WWW. would be a major savor. Considering anything before the actual domain is technically a sub-domain. I know in all of my IIS configurations I have the main domain respond to the WWW. domain just because people still type in the WWW. in their browser.
Neufeldt2002
April 20, 2010 at 11:41am
I think hiding it trains users not to be aware of what they are using. Secure connections like using online banking rely on users being able to check to make sure they are secure. Also training new users, and there are new users everyday as long as we have children, to not know how this works is dangerous in my mind.
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Please fix the spam filter it does not work right.
Zachary K.
April 20, 2010 at 11:22am
what about WWW? That seems more useless. At least http tells me what protocol I am using.
mike_kovacevic
April 20, 2010 at 11:42am
If www was removed, it would cause even more headaches than removing Http...
Knowing Google and their track record for innovation, I'm sure they'll figure out a way to auto-complete http/https prefixes.
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