The New Google Chrome’s Extension System
The improved Google Chrome’s extension system allows developers to further enhance the browser functionality with new tools and services, while its file size remains minimal. The creation of a Google Chrome extension is similar to the building of a web page, because it requires just HTML, CSS and JavaScript code included in an archive (zip file). As a consequence, the developers do not have to learn nothing new due to the fact that will be used the same JavaScript libraries, coding techniques and debugging tools as in case of regular web pages.
Google Chrome extensions are able to run as separate processes (for each tab and plugin). The browser does not have to be restarted after the user installs an extension and in the same time a certain Chrome extension will be compatible with future browser versions. Also, the extensions are updated automatically.
There are already made various Google Chrome extensions, such as AdSweep (an add-on that hides ads on visited web pages in a similar manner as AdBlock in Mozilla Firefox), Cleeki or Gmail Checker.
You can begin to build and test Google Chrome extensions, but only after grabbing the latest developer build of Google Chrome browser. An introductory tutorial on how to make Google Chrome extensions was published on Chromium project website.
In the near future, Google will create an online gallery where developers are allowed to submit new extensions and users will be able to find the desired extension for their Chrome browser.
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