To manage the limitations posed by Safari and Firefox, you need to understand the primary restrictions enforced by these browsers and then apply appropriate methods to work around or comply with them effectively. Both browsers have a strong focus on user privacy and security which often translates to certain limitations for developers or power users.
Understand Content Blocking: Safari and Firefox have built-in content blocking mechanisms which can affect web tracking, certain scripts, or advertisements. As a user, you can manage these settings through the preferences menu, adjusting the level of blocking or using site-specific permissions. As a developer, consider using privacy-centric design approaches such as respecting the Do Not Track settings or implementing alternative tracking methods that are privacy-compliant like server-side tracking.
Handle Third-party Cookie Restrictions: Both browsers, especially Safari with its Intelligent Tracking Prevention (ITP), have stringent third-party cookie policies. If you’re a developer impacted by these restrictions, you might consider implementing first-party cookie solutions or using local storage. Alternatively, server-side methods for session management and state persistence could also help circumvent these hurdles.
Web Extensions and Add-ons: For users, extensions can be essential tools for overcoming limitations. However, these browsers have strict policies on extensions, sometimes leading to compatibility issues. Ensure your add-ons are sourced from reputable places like the Firefox Add-ons site or the Safari Extensions Gallery and stay updated with browser updates as they may introduce new extension APIs or deprecate old ones.
Cross-browser Functionality and Testing: As a developer, ensure that your web applications are thoroughly tested across different browsers including Safari and Firefox to handle quirks due to these restrictions. Using polyfills or transpilers can help manage differences, and adopting features progressively can ensure broader compatibility even when certain features are restricted.
Security Features and HTTPS: Both browsers default to blocking insecure, HTTP connections. Ensure that websites are using HTTPS to avoid mixed content warnings and auto-blocking by these browsers. Also, understand the implications of new security headers and policies like Content Security Policy (CSP), which are increasingly enforced.
Regular Updates: For both users and developers, keeping the browser up-to-date ensures that you’re making the most of new features and security patches, and for developers, it helps ensure that deployed applications meet the latest standards and restrictions enforced by recent browser versions.

By strategically addressing these areas, users can take charge of their browsing experience, and developers can deliver applications that function consistently across these prominent browsers.