Ladybird is a [[BSD-2]] licensed independent [[Web Browser]] written in [[C++]]. - [Website](https://ladybird.org/) - [Source](https://github.com/LadybirdBrowser/ladybird) - [Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ladybird_(web_browser)) > Ladybird is a truly independent web browser, using a novel engine based on web standards. # Notability One of the very few web browsers with no code shared with [[WebKit]]/[[Blink Browser Engine]] or [[Gecko Browser Engine]] that runs cross-platform. # Philosophy ## Origin Originally part of [[Serenity OS]], forked [[2024-06-03]] into its own project.[^6] ## "Apolitical" "Apolitical" in quotes, because technology is never apolitical, not because that specific spelling was ever used by the project. ### Original Apolitical Statement > This is a purely technical project. As such, it is not an appropriate arena to advertise your personal politics or religious beliefs. Any changes that appear ideologically motivated will be rejected. \- Official [[Serenity OS]] and Ladybird contributing guidelines starting [[2021-12-02]][^3] until [[2024-07-29]][^1] I haven't seen a specific instance of what caused [[Andreas Kling|the founder]] to add this clause on this date, but [[2021]] was the year of multiple grammar-related controversies caused by [[Andreas Kling|the founder]] and his supporters. ### Revised Apolitical Statement The project was seemingly informed in [[2024]] that the original apolitical statement was not going to fly anymore if they wanted funding opportunities as an independent browser, so the policy was amended: > - Our discussions and work will remain strictly related to browser development and web standards. We do not take positions on issues outside this scope. > - The project will not be used as a platform to advertise or promote causes unrelated to browser development or web standards. > - To maintain a focused and productive environment, discussions on societal politics and other divisive topics are discouraged in project spaces. > ... > We reserve the right to reject issues and pull requests that appear to be motivated by bad faith. \- Official Ladybird contributing guidelines from [[2024-07-29]] onward[^1] It is clear from the similarity in wording and the commit message that the meaning is identical, just more flowery: > Meta: Update CONTRIBUTING.md for the new era > - Explain project governance (now driven by the non-profit). > - Amend human language policy to keep language neutral & professional. > - Expand on the project's neutrality in detail. > - Clarify policy on rejection of bad-faith issues/PRs. \- Commit message for the commit that changed the wording[^1] ## Pronoun Policy Despite the above dog-whistling and his long history of rejecting basic grammar and inclusion, it seems that [[Andreas Kling|the founder]] (who committed[^1] these changes) finally got the memo on pronouns at least: > Use gender-neutral pronouns, except when referring to a specific person. \- Official Ladybird contributing guidelines from [[2024-07-29]] onward[^1] ## Code of Conduct The original code of conduct from 2019[^2] was simply: ```markdown ## Code of Conduct (lol) * You will be judged by your contributions first, and your sense of humor second. * Nobody owes you anything. ``` On [[2021-04-07]] the original code of conduct was deleted. For the next two and a half years, there was none at all. Then on [[2024-10-23]], the project switched[^4] to using [[Ruby]]'s code of conduct[^5]. This is one of the worst that is still in use by any large community project. ```markdown - Participants will be tolerant of opposing views. - Participants must ensure that their language and actions are free of personal attacks and disparaging personal remarks. - When interpreting the words and actions of others, participants should always assume good intentions. - Behavior that can be reasonably considered harassment will not be tolerated. ``` ## Founder's Belief About What is Political The [[Andreas Kling|founder]] seems to believe that non-male non-cis non-straight existence is political and must be silenced. This belief is backed up by multiple examples, including not giving recognition to contributors who are publicly non-cis, rejecting changes to improve grammar around pronouns, and gatekeeping the project from people like himself across a long career. - See also [[Andreas Kling#Philosophy]] While some corrective measures may have been taken publicly in 2024, there is not yet any indication that this is due to a sincere change of values. ## Generative AI The project uses obviously [[generated images]] on their website, meaning their stance on [[Generative AI]] is the bad one. While the quality of the images have improved since the first version of the site, they are still [[Generative AI|AI Slop]]. ## Governance Operated by the [[Ladybird Browser Initiative]], a 501(c)(3) non-profit headed by creator [[Andreas Kling]] and billionaire [[defunkt|Chris Wanstrath]]. # Platform Support - [[Serenity OS]] (its origin, but the build target has been dropped!?) - [[Linux]] (primary target) - [[MacOS]] (secondary target) - [[Android]] (WIP) - [[Windows]] (future plans) # Features Apparently scores well on compliance tests. # Tips # References [^1]: https://github.com/LadybirdBrowser/ladybird/commit/627dcb90bdd23ccfa2ae210d55b474ab4a844db0 [^2]: https://github.com/LadybirdBrowser/ladybird/commit/9b17016c17d97111fbecf3a956c7d75932387722#diff-1246fcebc419eba2aaf5b810ef51db6ec5606f34da054746e1b31bdd7378405dR32 [^3]: https://github.com/LadybirdBrowser/ladybird/commit/6b32b775bfab60f4286ba49f96c3e7419d42062e [^4]: https://github.com/LadybirdBrowser/ladybird/commit/45a3360a62235318f7d3bea8a7457d5bfac7be2a [^5]: https://www.ruby-lang.org/en/conduct/ [^6]: https://awesomekling.substack.com/p/forking-ladybird-and-stepping-down-serenityos