We all find well acquaintance with the word “Browser Engine”. However, the word “Rendering Engine” might seem uncommon. But let me tell you the fact that the browser engine and rendering engine are closely related to each other. The combined functionality of browser engine, rendering engine and JavaScript engine, converts the raw web code into the viewable form. The websites display this usable form on their webpage.
This article portrays a vivid idea about the difference between a rendering engine and browser engine along with their working principles.
Also Read: What is the Difference Between Browser Engine and Search Engine?
Rendering Engines
Tracing back to the terminology, it can be noted that the term “render” stands for “interpreting”, or translating in simple terms. However, just because the word engine is used here, it doesn’t mean that the atmosphere will be stuffed with smoke emitted from a steam engine. In the world of computer studies, “rendering engine” is nothing but a software component.
Now the question comes, what does this software component do? Rendering engine mostly works on marked-up content and formatting information. It takes up HTML and XML files. With the aid of CSS and XSL, translates them into formatted content post. The screen actually displays this content.
Basic Working Principle
Do you remember the basics of coordinate geometry and its equational representation? Let us consider the y=mx+c equation. If the constant c is provided, then for different sets of (x, y) values, m will have a different value. Here, the coordinates x and y act as arguments for the function, f(y) =mx+c.
In case of Rendering Engine, the set of one URL and window content-area rectangle coordinates serve as the argument. A graphical representation of the given rectangle is painted post the function of the rendering engine.
Browser Engines
In case of browser engine, the term “engine” basically stands in analogy with the engine of a car. It must be kept in mind that a browser engine is not a self-sufficient or self-independent program. It is a critically significant part of a way larger program. Probably similar to that of a web browser and hence the name.
Just like rendering engine, its basic job lies in the concepts of translation. The basic function of a browser engine is to convert unformatted raw data into organized formatted pictorial or graphical representation.
Now the question might arise, then on what note does the browser engine differ from the rendering engine? Well, the answer lies in the study of the basic working principle of the browser engine.
Also Read: What is Browser Engine and Types of Browser Engines?
Basic Working Principle
The functions of a rendering engine are more or less incorporated within the functions of a browser engine. Though, rendering engine and browser engine are closely related, there lies a vague line of difference between them. Hence, we consider them separately.
Now apart from the basic functionalities of the rendering engine, what else does the browser engine do? Well, that takes us to the implementation of security policy among the documents, thereby projecting the Document Object Model (DOM). The DOM also handles hyperlinks with web forms. Moreover, the page scripts utilizes the DOM pages.
However, it is seldom noticed that executing JavaScript code is a grander job. It needs to be done by a separately dedicated engine. When the JavaScript was invented, it was introduced with the aim of its use only restricted to a web browser. But due to its platform independence and easy accessibility, its use has increased noticeably.
