BANGALORE, INDIA: Browser extensions, as the name suggests, supplement your web browser with additional functionalities by adding elements to the default user interface besides those provided in the vanilla versions of some commonly used browsers such as Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Apple Safari and Microsoft Internet Explorer.

The installation files are light (usually of a few KBs but can even extend up to 4MBs depending upon the application) and installation is quick.

There are some extensions which can run across almost all the browsers. However, the layout of the feature buttons does vary from browser to browser. Say, an extension can make a browser toolbar like that of Firefox look a bit cluttered but its layout in Google Chrome appears to be neater. Another difference is that in case of Firefox, the browser has to be restarted each time for the add-on to take effect. However, the functionalities cater well to your everyday browsing needs. We handpicked the top 5 web browser extensions for you!

1. Firebug Lite

Category: Web Development
Primary Link: http://getfirebug.com/firebuglite
Supporting Browsers: Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, Apple Safari, Microsoft IE, Opera
Also look for: Web Development Helper, Web Developer

Firebug Lite is a tool that can be used in conjunction with some web developer tools like Firebug and Web Developer. The tool gives a visual representation to HTML elements, DOM elements and box model shading. It helps you inspect HTML elements and edit CSS properties.

In a way, the tool helps a web developer to instantly edit, debug and monitor the web page being viewed. While visiting a web page, the Firebug Lite icon will be gray and deactivated. Click to activate the tool only after the web page has been loaded in the browser. The tool does have some limitations such as that it lacks a Javascript debugger and changed HTML highlighter.

Click here for more info!