Ask HN: Is it worthwhile to create a web browser in 2026?

5 points by roschdal 12d ago ↗ HN

So I am creating the Nordstjernen web browser. https://nordstjernen.org/

Is this still a worthwhile project? As a research project, to explore different ideas (C programming language, no JIT, developed by AI with one developer), and to provide a choice between multiple html rendering engines in addition to Chrome and Firefox).

3 comments

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gregsadetsky 12d ago ↗

I'd say yes - it seems like an interesting / worthwhile project, even if only for you to explore new areas/learn..?

Just curious, have you looked at https://browser.engineering/ - and generally speaking, what are your thoughts on the few new browsers appearing these days?

jaredwiener 12d ago ↗

What do you want to get out of this project? That's how you determine if its worthwhile.

bigyabai 12d ago ↗

I'm a Linux user, and I use a lot of native GTK apps. I have pretty much zero interest in using a homemade rendering engine or vibe-coded Javascript runtime. Why wouldn't I use a native browser like Epiphany instead?