The Modern Web Development Win: Moving Beyond Internet Explorer Compatibility

In the ever-evolving landscape of web development, each day that passes without the need to cater to Internet Explorer feels like a step forward. As developers, we’ve all faced the quirks and frustrations that come with supporting legacy browsers, and it’s a relief to largely leave those days behind.

Currently, I’m troubleshooting a peculiar issue: on Microsoft Edge, select menu items are unexpectedly left-aligned and appear heavy on the left side—only in Edge, and not in other browsers. This subtle inconsistency can be a real headache, but it’s a stark reminder of how much smoother modern browsers have become compared to the days of IE.

Reflecting on this, I’m reminded of the “good old days” when supporting Internet Explorer, especially versions like IE8, meant navigating a minefield of browser-specific bugs and workarounds. Those challenges often led to frustration, and yes, even PTSD for seasoned developers.

Today, I choose to see these rare quirks not as setbacks but as milestones in our progress. When you find yourself facing a tricky browser compatibility issue, take a moment—pause, breathe, and appreciate that we no longer have to bend over backwards for the archaic behaviors of IE. Instead, we can focus on crafting innovative, streamlined experiences for the users on modern browsers.

In the end, every day that we work without the constraints of outdated browsers is a victory—a testament to how far web development has come. Let’s celebrate these wins and look forward to even better, more consistent experiences across all browsers as we continue to evolve.