What does browser compatibility primarily affect in web applications?

Browser compatibility primarily affects an application's ability to provide a consistent user experience. When a web application is compatible with various browsers, it ensures that users have a similar experience regardless of the browser they choose to use. Different browsers may interpret HTML, CSS, and JavaScript differently, leading to variations in how a web application is displayed and functions.

If a web application is not optimized for specific browsers, users may encounter issues such as improper layout, non-functional buttons, and different loading times, which ultimately detracts from their overall experience. A consistent user experience is essential for user satisfaction and can significantly impact the success of a web application, as users often have preferences in browsers and expect uniformity across platforms.

While browser compatibility can influence aspects like performance on mobile devices or security features, these factors are not its primary focus. Performance on mobile devices is more about how the application is designed and optimized for those environments, while security features are determined by the application's code and backend configurations, not primarily by browser compatibility. Lastly, the number of users that can access an application simultaneously is related to server capacity and infrastructure rather than browser compatibility.