Throbber

Different example of Throbbers

A throbber is an image usually located in the upper right corner of the graphical user interface of a computer program. Particularly web browsers display an animated throbber to inform the user that the program is performing an action (such as downloading a web page).

Typical characteristics

Usually the throbber is located on the right side of the toolbar or menu bar of a computer program. Typically it is the program logo or a part or variation of it. Most of the time the throbber is a still image, but when the program is performing some action the throbber starts animating in a loop to let the user know that the program is busy. Once the action is complete, the throbber returns to the initial still image. Normally it is possible for the user to continue using the program while the throbber is in motion. Often, one click on the throbber causes the program's web page to open.

History

One of the first (if not the first) uses of a throbber was in the NCSA Mosaic web browser in the early 90s. This was the NCSA logo that animated when Mosaic was downloading a web page. Since the user could continue interacting with the program, the mouse cursor remained normal (not a busy cursor, like an hourglass). Therefore, the throbber provided vital assistance to the user as it was the only indication that the browser was performing any action.

Netscape, which soon gained leadership in the web browser market, also included a throbber. In version 1.0 of your browser it took a 'N' big and blue (the Netscape logo at that time) as an image for your throbber. When Netscape changed the logo to an 'N' On the top of a mountain, they started a contest to find an animation for him. The winning design (the 'N' in a meteor shower) was very well received by the public and practically became the unofficial symbol of the World Wide Web. Later, the 'e' Internet Explorer blue acquired a similar status, although it was replaced by the Microsoft Windows flag in more recent versions of the browser.

Initially, throbbers tended to be somewhat large, but they reduced in size as graphical user interfaces and toolbar buttons were developed. Its usefulness was reduced when operating systems incorporated a mouse cursor to indicate background work; In fact, some browsers like Opera or Safari no longer include throbber.