Mozilla warns of probably Y2K-model bugs in Chrome and Firefox

Reaching the 100th originate version of a chunk of instrument is a large milestone, when most applications easiest discover to 10 or twenty in their lifetimes. Nonetheless for the browsers that are extra and additional changing into the backbone of purchasers’ interactions on the internet, it will additionally be a gargantuan inform. As Chrome and Firefox each and each attain version 100 of their releases (98 and 97 for the time being, respectively), the jump to triple digits may possibly well trigger complications familiar to anyone who become once spherical for New Year’s within the 365 days 2000.

Firefox developer and maintainer Mozilla sounded the apprehension in a brand sleek blog post, spotted by BleepingComputer. The problem arises when an particular person’s browser reports the person-agent string to a feature’s server, which helps the latter know the arrangement to format reveal to create obvious that the person sees it accurately and can comprise interplay with it. Jumping from double digits for version 99 to triple for 100 can comprise some extraordinary outcomes. Both Mozilla and Google performed preliminary experiments to envision triple-digit person agents final 365 days, and stumbled on that whereas most sites can tackle the transition, a diminutive number can comprise appreciable bugs.

We’re no longer having a opinion at a plump Y2K-model inform the place nearly every bit of instrument wants a patch. Firefox and Chrome each and each comprise mitigation suggestions in living for sites that ruin with version 100 of their browsers, expected to hit plump originate channels in March and Might possibly well additionally honest. Firefox could be in a local to tackle the scenario on a feature-by-feature basis, whereas Chrome has a backup option that can document an older version 99 person-agent if considerations are detected.

Even so, Mozilla encourages internet developers to investigate cross-take a look at their compatibility with version 100 browsers sooner than it becomes an scenario. You possibly can comprise so within the Settings menu of the Nightly originate of Firefox, or by enabling the #power-main-version-to-100 flag in Chrome.