Short for World Wide Web, WWW, W3, or web is a graphical interface for the Internet that was first introduced to the public on August 6, 1991, by Tim Berners-Lee. A few days later on August 23, 1991, it was available to everyone.

How is the Internet different than the WWW?

The WWW is different from the Internet although most people today think the WWW is the Internet. The Internet is what connects your computer with other computers. The WWW is what you’re viewing while looking at your browser (e.g., this web page).

  • How is the Internet different than the WWW?
  • What software lets you access the WWW?
  • What was the WorldWideWeb browser?
  • Why was the WWW created?
  • Should I capitalize the World Wide Web?
  • How big is the WWW?
  • Related information

What software lets you access the WWW?

The WWW consists of billions of pages linked to each other that contain text, hyperlinks, graphics, multimedia files, and other interactive software that are accessed using a browser.

What was the WorldWideWeb browser?

The first Internet browser was named WorldWideWeb (later changed to Nexus) and was invented by Tim Berners-Lee in 1990. See our browser page for further information and history on browsers.

Why was the WWW created?

While at CERN (Conseil Europeen pour la Recherche Nuclaire), Tim Berners-Lee needed a place for scientists in universities and institutes around the world to share information. The WWW was initially created to be the tool to help make this possible.

Should I capitalize the World Wide Web?

When used in it’s full form “World Wide Web,” each “W” should be capitalized. See our web definition for further information about the capitalization of “web” and web-based terms.

How big is the WWW?

According to WorldWideWebSize.com, in November 2022 the indexed web contained at least 6.06 billion pages.

Computer acronyms, Dub-dub-dub, Gopher, Hyperlink, Hypertext, Internet, Internet terms, W3C, Web, Web 2.0, Web design terms

  • What is the difference between the Internet and World Wide Web?
  • Who invented the Internet?
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