Why does navigator.appCodeName return Mozilla?

Question

The following JavaScript code returns \"Mozilla\" on all browsers. Why?

Answer 1

Many years ago, developers used browser detection to reject other browsers, usually favouring Netscape Navigator (precursor to Mozilla and Firefox, also codenamed Mozilla). They tested for the string 'Mozilla' in the user agent. Internet Explorer got angsty and decided to imitate Netscape so they could join in on the fun.