Google Chrome, now with Extensions

HYDERABAD, INDIA: The Google DevFest 2010 held recently in Hyderabad introduced various new versions of their popular products. The Internet major, which plans to capture the world market with the introduction of various tools and software related to the Internet, has now come out with a new browser – the Chrome.

According to Rajdeep Dua, Developer Advocate and India Lead of Google, who made the presentation on Chrome Extensions, said: “Google's Chrome browser has highest market share in India. Today, the browser is said to have over 40 million active users and this base is growing at a rapid rate. Chrome Extensions means that we are adding feature for better Chrome experience.”

What are these Extensions?

Extensions are programmes that enhance Google Chrome’s functionality with HTML, CSS and JavaScript writer inbuilt. These are integrated using a simple API and are developed iteratively.

“Importantly Chrome Extensions can be installed instantly, updated automatically, they are transparent about their capabilities and run in separate processes. It comes with Gmail Checker and also a feed reader,” Rajdeep explains about the Extensions.

Why you should work on Extensions?

Part of an important platform

Persistent presence

Source of traffic

It is easy & fun

The gallery is already live and can check them at chrome.google.com/extension.

Chrome extensions are of four types:

1.Browser action – This is always visible eg. Gmail.

2.Page action – This is not always live and visible eg. RSS Feed.

3.Content Script – Can insert JavaScript or modify DOM.

4.Themes – Can change look and feel.

Chrome Extensions come with very good security features. “In fact security extension is based on a Ph D paper from Berkley University, we have used this architecture,” observes Rajdeep Dua.