Internet Explorer 7, also known as IE7, was a popular web browser released by Microsoft in 2006. It quickly gained a significant market share and was the default browser for many Windows users. However, one of the most controversial features of IE7 was its handling of image files.
Prior to IE7, the most common image format used on the web was JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group). JPEG images were compressed and provided good quality at a relatively small file size. However, with the release of IE7, Microsoft introduced a new image format: image/pjpeg.
PJPEG, or Progressive JPEG, was designed to improve the loading time of images on web pages. It achieved this by displaying a low-resolution version of the image first and then gradually loading the higher resolution version. This technique was especially useful for users with slow internet connections.
However, this new image format caused a lot of confusion among web developers and designers. They were accustomed to using JPEG images and were unsure if they should switch to pjpeg. The lack of proper documentation and support from Microsoft only added to the confusion.
Many web developers decided to stick with JPEG, as it was a widely accepted and established format. They feared that using pjpeg might not be compatible with other browsers and could potentially cause compatibility issues.
On the other hand, some developers saw the potential benefits of using pjpeg and decided to give it a try. They found that pjpeg did indeed improve the loading time of images, especially for users with slower connections. However, they also faced the issue of compatibility with other browsers.
The debate between using pjpeg or sticking with jpeg continued for a while, with no clear winner. However, over time, most developers and designers decided to stick with JPEG, as it was still the most widely supported format.
The introduction of pjpeg by Microsoft also sparked a debate about the future of image formats on the web. Some argued that pjpeg was just a temporary solution and that a more efficient format would eventually replace it. Others believed that JPEG would continue to dominate the web, as it was a tried and tested format.
In the end, it was the latter that proved to be true. Today, JPEG remains the most popular image format on the web, and pjpeg is rarely used. This is partly due to the fact that internet speeds have improved significantly, making the loading time of images less of an issue.
In conclusion, IE7's choice of introducing pjpeg as a new image format caused a lot of confusion and debate among web developers and designers. While it did have some benefits, it was ultimately not widely adopted and JPEG remains the go-to format for images on the web.
