Cross-browser compatibility refers to the ability of a website or web application to function consistently and display correctly across different web browsers. With users accessing the internet via Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge, and others, ensuring your site works for everyone is crucial for a positive user experience and broader reach.

Browsers interpret HTML, CSS, and JavaScript code slightly differently, which can lead to visual inconsistencies or functional issues. For example, a layout that looks perfect in one browser might appear broken in another. Key factors affecting compatibility include:

• Rendering Engines: Different browsers use different cores (like Blink, Gecko, WebKit).
• CSS Support: Not all browsers support the latest CSS properties equally.
• JavaScript Implementation: Some JS features may behave differently.

To achieve cross-browser compatibility, developers should:

• Use valid, semantic HTML as a solid foundation.
• Employ CSS resets or normalizers to minimize default styling differences.
• Test websites early and often on multiple browsers and devices.
• Utilize tools like autoprefixers for CSS and polyfills for JavaScript to handle older browsers.
• Implement progressive enhancement—building a basic experience for all, then adding advanced features for modern browsers.

Prioritizing cross-browser compatibility helps maximize your audience, improve SEO, and ensure all visitors have a functional and professional experience, regardless of their browser choice.