The Line Mode Browser (www) is the second browser developed for the WorldWideWeb project. It was designed to ensure that the web remained accessible to users on "dumb" terminals and low-end systems.
Overview
Developed primarily by Nicola Pellow, this browser requires no special control sequences—only standard carriage returns and line feeds. This makes it compatible with almost any terminal or terminal emulator in existence.
Beyond simple browsing, the Line Mode tool is highly versatile and can be utilized as:
- A text formatter for automated document production.
- A component of an email-based information server.
- A robust, general-purpose information retrieval tool for technical environments.
Technical Resources
For developers and users looking to implement or modify the browser, the following resources are available:
- Quick User Guide
- The essential manual delivered with the software to get users started immediately.
- Project Status
- Current implementation details and supported platforms for the latest release.
- Browser Internals
- Deep-dive documentation on the underlying code architecture and network handling.
- Bugs and Improvements
- A tracked list of known issues and requested features for future development.
Documentation & Features
- Documentation Guidelines: Standards for contributing to the Line Mode help files.
- Feature History: A chronological list of enhancements introduced in each version.
- Extended Information: Additional context regarding the browser's role in the W3 project.