Ask HN: What do you think about browser extensions?

6 points by ImKevinArcher 4 years ago | 8 comments

I'm thinking about adding a browser extension to my project (Authenticator App), but I don't know if people really looking for browser extensions.

Do you consider browser extension as an important feature when you choose a product?

BlameKaneda 4 years ago |

Although I'd be able to do my job without them, my quality of life has dramatically improved thanks to browser extensions.

With them, I can:

- Block 99% of ads (popups, banners, YT ads, etc). I can also use this extension's picker to block elements of my choosing (e.g. an annoying sales banner)

- Create custom CSS themes and override any webpage. For instance, if I know I'll be looking at a lot of documentation I'll set up a theme that turns the background dark and the text white.

- See what technologies (languages, frameworks, reverse proxies, etc) a website is using.

- Block access to a URL between X and Y hours a day, certain days a week.

In terms of products, I used to use Evernote and used their desktop app for a brief time, and it was nice because it synced with the browser extension. However, I almost never used the app and used the extension 96% of the time.

ImKevinArcher 4 years ago | |

That is exactly the kind of feedback I was looking for. As I mentioned I'm looking to figure out if the extensions really deserve the inverted time. If I understood you right, the extensions are not essential but well-developed ones can change the whole perspective of the project

MarcSabadell 4 years ago |

I think browser extensions only should be implemented if this feature can improve or add more facility to the project. Also, you need to take in consideration that browser extensions can improve your discoverbility as your project will be availabel for more users, in more stores. But for me browsers extensions are not importent, but they can sum points when I decide what to install.

ImKevinArcher 4 years ago | |

Thanks for sharing, I haven't even thought about "discoverability" as an advantage, from your comments that make sense.

warrenm 4 years ago |

I hate that I need browser extensions for certain sites to load responsively (looking at you, bloated ad-"supported" page!)

I hate needing an ad blocker

I love, however, extensions that accomplish something meaningful for me - Zoom scheduling, Amazon Assistant, Snooze tab, Tab Wrangler, etc

WallyFunk 4 years ago |

> Do you consider browser extension as an important feature when you choose a product?

I'm an extension minimalist. I don't want yet another extension when an app will suffice.

ImKevinArcher 4 years ago | |

Noted!

the_only_law 4 years ago |

Some of them are nice, but they also seem to be a popular malware distribution method these days.