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WebKit on GitHub (webkit.org)

489 points by miohtama · 1470 days ago · 250 comments on HN

Article summary

The WebKit project has transitioned its source code management from Subversion to git on GitHub, aiming to make it easier for multiple developers and organizations to collaborate. This move is expected to improve the project's accessibility and openness. WebKit is a widely used browser engine, powering Safari and other browsers. The project's goals include maintaining a high-performance and secure engine, and encouraging contributions from developers around the world.

Main themes

  • Browser engine diversity
  • Open-source development
  • WebKit and GitHub
  • Browser market dominance
  • Mozilla and Firefox
  • Google and Blink
  • Apple and Safari

What commenters say

  • WebKit could be a viable alternative to Blink if Mozilla were to cease development of Firefox, but its viability depends on various factors, including its ease of use and adoption by third-party developers.
  • The control of browser engines by a few large companies, such as Google and Apple, poses a threat to the openness and diversity of the web.
  • Some commenters believe that Mozilla's focus on advocacy and virtue signaling has detracted from its core mission of developing a lean and effective browser.
  • Others argue that a healthy internet requires a diverse range of browser engines, including Gecko and WebKit, to prevent any one company from dominating the market.
  • The difficulty of compiling and embedding alternative browser engines, such as WebKit and Gecko, has contributed to the dominance of Blink.
  • Some commenters are skeptical of the value of Mozilla's advocacy efforts and believe that the organization should focus on developing a better browser.
  • The transition of WebKit to GitHub may help to increase its adoption and development by third-party developers, but it is unclear whether this will be enough to challenge the dominance of Blink.