Internet Explorer 11 guide for developers
The Internet Explorer 11 guide for developers is the overview of the developer features and standards included in IE11. The developer guide also describes the latest features available to developers of Windows Store apps using JavaScript on Windows 8.1. Use the documentation and samples in this guide to take full advantage of these new features.
Important The contents of this guide apply to:
- IE11 on Windows 7, except for the features listed as Unsupported features on Windows 7.
- IE11 on Windows Phone 8.1, except for the features listed as Unsupported features on Windows Phone 8.1.
- Windows Store apps using JavaScript for Windows 8.1, except where noted.
Overview
Tip Check out what's new for IE11 with the Windows 8.1 Update!
IE11 advances the state of the art in real world performance for applications and sites with enhanced runtime capabilities enabling the next generation of web apps, gaming, and media consumption.
Optimized for touch and with support for more web standards than ever, IE11 puts sites closer to users in Windows, offers premier security, and includes developer tools that help code across browsers (and even apps). For starters:
- Sites just work better in IE11 through new compatibility enhancements.
- Rich, hyper-fast 2D and 3D experiences using WebGL, High DPI support, and new features in Canvas enhance websites and Windows Store apps using JavaScript.
- All new F12 Developer tools make it easier to develop and debug sites across browsers and Windows Store apps using JavaScript.
- Real sites load fast with prerender and prefetch, network prioritization, and back navigation caching.
- Flawless and responsive touch browsing permeates the experience.
- Live tile support, tile updates, and tile notifications with RSS increases personalization, integration with Windows, and effectiveness of pinned sites.
And, of course, there's much more. Look through the complete contents for the full listing.
Intended audience
This IE11 guide for developers is written for use by Web developers and designers, as well as those developers interested in developing for Windows Store apps using JavaScript in Windows 8.1. This audience can use these resources to learn about the developer features in IE11. For those interested in the consumer-facing features of IE11, please see https://microsoft.com/ie.
Further resources
IE11 is automatically available on Windows 8.1 and Windows Server 2012 R2. For a list of known issues on these configurations please visit Windows 8.1 release notes or Windows Server 2012 R2 release notes depending on your installation. For details on upgrading from the Windows 8.1 Preview, please visit the update instructions.
In addition to reading the developer guide, be sure to see the Internet Explorer Test Drive site for new demos and examples. You can also obtain detailed technical information about developer features by visiting the Internet Explorer Developer Center and the MSDN Library.