What role do web standards play in browser functionality?

Web standards are essential in ensuring compatibility and consistency across different platforms. When web standards are established, they create a set of guidelines and specifications that all web developers and browser manufacturers can follow. This uniformity allows web applications and content to function the same way across different web browsers and devices, regardless of the underlying technology or platform.

For example, if a website is built using standard HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, users can expect similar experiences in major browsers such as Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge. This compatibility is crucial for developers, as it reduces the amount of testing and troubleshooting needed for different environments, ultimately leading to a smoother user experience.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately reflect the primary function of web standards. While marketing strategies and feature limitations may be influenced by various factors, they are not the direct purpose of web standards. Additionally, enhancing database performance is unrelated to web standards, as standards primarily focus on the structure and presentation of web content rather than backend performance metrics.