When I look atThere is a difference in how non-tab-users / non-tech-savvy-userspeople use browsers. I think the behavior you prefer, is aimed at expert or tab users. Most browsers try to make the user experience best for a browserlarge amount of users, this behavior fits in very wellnot just the experienced tabbers.
The idea behind thisthe feature you describe from Opera, is that you open a new tab for every (new)new webpage you visit. Then it is also logical that when you close a tab, you just close the website, not the browser.
However, I see that most people, when they want another website, they type in something in the url or search bar re-use tabs for new webpages. When they want another website, they type in something in the url or search bar of the current tab, and go. Mostly, they also just have one tab - tab and browser are one thing for them. They don't open another tab for another website. They just "reuse" the current tab, for the new webpage. For this behavior, it is quite natural to quitthat the browser, quits once the (last) tab is closed.
BTWBy the way, if you're not using shortcuts (Ctrl + W) to closealmost all browser implement a good middle way. With only one tab, open the last tab won't close; i.e. there is no close button on the last open tab and when you right click itis not visible, the "close this tab"and right click
> close this tab
is disabled. Instead, youYou are encouraged to use the browser close button of the browser. Only using the 'close tab' shortcut (Ctrl
+ w
) works to close the last open tab. This behavior is seen in Firefox, IEInternet Explorer and Safari. Only Chrome does let you close the last open tab.
I think this is actually a quite nice middle way between non-tab users and experienced tab users.