It’s not about doing more, it’s about doing less! Even though we commonly say that time is money, it’s safe to say that time is worth much more. Money can always be earned countless times over, unlike our time, which slips away. Internet browser extensions are the common man’s best friend in beating the clock. From the moment we wake up to when we clock out for the day, our work is littered with mundane repetitions that aren’t worth investing time in.

However, we are forced to complete these mundane repetitions as they prove to be a vital part of the workflow. Internet browser extensions are the perfect way to relieve your burdens without sacrificing quality! This mini-guide aims to help those interested in web browser automation find the best Chrome browser extensions to enhance their workflow.

 

Different types of Chrome browser extensions

 

We have identified over nine main types of internet browser extensions. We have categorized them according to their field of use and practical application within day-to-day life. Take a peek, maybe automation can be done in ways you have never imagined or heard of!

 

Productivity extensions

 

Even though Chrome browser extensions are developed to save time and automate, some are created for the sole purpose of boosting productivity. These extensions can help you save time by automating everything from grammar checks to time management.

 

Security Extensions

 

Are you tired of removing malicious cookies and trackers from your browsers? Security-centric Chrome extensions were built to protect your privacy and identity online! These extensions can automate everything from forcing HTTPS connections to providing a secure vault for passwords.

 

Web Development Extensions

 

Are you a web developer looking to save some of your valuable time spent debugging and testing web applications? You’re in luck, as development-based web extensions have been trending recently.

 

Content Management Extensions

 

A helping hand to manage content management extensions is always welcome! Extensions developed around content management can help users organize their web content by saving crucial articles and enhancing the overall web experience.

 

Media Extensions

 

Media extensions centered around enhancing the delivery of media are perfect for those long hours of scrolling online. These extensions can boost and improve how images, videos, and audio are presented through web pages.

 

User Interface Extensions

 

As a consumer, you are at the mercy of the developer when it comes to web content! Bad styling, bright screens, and horrific web designs will no longer define your web experience, as UI web extensions are trending!

 

Scripting Extensions

 

Are you a programmer looking to add some extra functionality to your browser? Scripting extensions are quite niche as they require knowledge of programming, but are highly sought after due to their potential.

 

Language Extensions

 

Translating web pages into another language can be quite a hassle! There are plenty of Chrome extensions being developed that allow everything from live translations to disability aids. 

 

It’s best to do it yourselves

 

True automation cannot be found in an online store! As with the popular saying, if you need it done right, you have got to do it yourself! Creating your own Chrome extension is without a doubt the best option out there if you are looking for something that truly fits your use case.

 

A custom-built Chrome extension will always be your best option! But, acquiring a custom extension is easier said than done! If you wish to own a custom Chrome extension that fits your user needs, you’d either need to learn to code and build it yourself or get a professional developer to code it for you.

 

The infinite possibilities of Chrome extensions.

As long as you can code it, your extension can do it! Chrome extensions can be incredibly powerful and are limited only by the user’s imagination and the skills of the developer. We have listed three of the most popular fields in which Chrome extensions are beginning to thrive.

 

Generic task automation

 

There is nothing more annoying than wasting your precious time on mundane tasks that’ll make you want to roll your face on the table! Automating these generic tasks that’ll ruin anyone’s morning is hot and trending. With the right developer, you can create browser automation tools that can reduce dawdling by tenfold.

 

AI-based extensions

 

Artificial intelligence is the future, and there is nothing surprising in seeing AI creeping its way into the world of browser automation tools. ChatGPT-based search extensions are already a thing, allowing users to get tailored search results without switching tabs. But, the potential for AI Chrome extensions is just beginning! The sky is the limit once you get your hands on an OpenAI key.

 

Internal operations

 

From QA tools to overlay test case IDs of websites to Internal CRM overlays that’ll make backend data visualization a breeze, internal operations are a key field in which Chrome extensions can be a game changer. However, since these operations are often unique to the user and would often require a lot more effort than the rest, it’s essential that you hire a good dev.

 

Internet Browser Extensions Vs Plugins

Even though the two terms are often used interchangeably, plugins and internet browser extensions have stark differences. We created this section to resolve the conundrum that many face when it comes to browser extensions vs plugins.

 

Browser plugins are binary software modules, often Active X, that extend the browser’s inherent capabilities. However, due to persistent security vulnerabilities, poor performance, and an inability to adapt to modern web technologies, plugins are slowly being phased out.

 

On the other hand, Chrome browser extensions are built using web technologies such as JavaScript to manipulate browser and page behavior. The key difference is that extensions can do much more than a simple plugin, as they can even interact with local storage if needed.

 

Embrace automation but with caution.

 

It’s cool to automate! But, everything comes at a price, and on this occasion, the risk is exploitation. By installing a browser automation tool, you are essentially providing an external tool to work unsupervised within your system.

 

Therefore, always make sure to review the permissions provided to your extension of choice before installing it onto your browser. If it seems suspicious, it’s always better to pick an alternative. Or, you could ask a dev to make you a custom extension to be on the safe side! Your trust developer can eliminate almost 100% of the risk, if they are competent enough, that is.

 

Remember the mantra. Be safe, be smart, and automate the stress away.