About Chome plugins: Creation and Publication

Chrome plugins or Chrome extensions give users the liberty to add more functionality to the web browser of Chrome. It is interesting as new extensions can be created for Chrome by taking help of popular core technologies like HTML, JavaScript, and CSS. For those who know how to build web pages, it becomes effortless to create a Chrome plugin. All you need to do is add functionality through JavaScript APIs to Chrome.

Steps for creating a Chrome plugin

If you are interested in creating a chrome extension, that will make implementations easier; we will tell you how it should be done. You can make a chrome extension that efficiently interacts with any page. It will search for the first available link in the page and open it quickly in a separate tab. So, today we are going to revel how to create a chrome plugin within 20 minutes. But, before you commence with it, what you intend to develop should be clear in your head. Here we are going to build something innovative for those who love watching movies. The idea is to present random background images of several films whenever you open a fresh tab. Scrolling down will be exciting with these famous TV shows and movies. Now, let us learn about the process of creating Chrome plugins in detail.

1. First of all, you need to make a manifest file and name it manifest.json. This metadata file, prepared in JSON format contains properties such as name, version number, description and other information regarding your extension.
2. Whenever a new tab is opened, the HTML file that has to be rendered is newtab.html. For doing this, you require permission for controlling the active Tab. If a user wants to install that extension, he will receive warnings about all permits that the extension needs. Other interesting things are the browser options that we can find within manifest.json. Popup.html will be available within the popup window, and you can put your magic elements inside it.
3. Then you have to create a newtab.html file and insert a ‘Hello world.’ By visiting chrome://extensions you can check if it functions properly.
4. Select ‘Load unpacked extension’ option and click on the directory where your extension files are stored. If your extension is genuinely valid, it will immediately be activated.
5. Now it is time to style your novel tab through the creation of a main.css file. The file has to be created in the extension directory, and it should be uploaded to newtab.html.
6. Now you need to complete the movie extension with the help of CSS, JavaScript, and HTML. The boring screen can be replaced with an impressive feed of good movies.

How to publish Chrome plugins?

Once the chrome plugin you have prepared looks presentable and functions as you want it to become, it’s time to publish it in the Chrome store. Follow these simple steps to learn how to publish Chrome plugins.

1. Go to the dashboard of Google Store and sign in to the google account you have is required.
2. There is an option called “Add new item.” Once you select that option and accept their terms, you will be directed to a fresh page where you will be able to upload the extension created by you.
3. After compressing the folder that has your project, you have to upload the ZIP file.
4. Once the plugin is uploaded successfully, you have to fill up a form with information regarding your extension.
5. Add beautiful images to make your project look attractive. These images can be used by the store for promoting your project. So, you can make your extension will be more prominent by using more images.
6. Once you are delighted with the result, click on the “Publish changes” option and your job are done.

Differences between Chrome plugins and Firefox

Both Chrome plugins Firefox have their own advantages and unique features. Users love Chrome plugins as the extensions are useful, performance is excellent, the interface is polished, and security is stringent. Firefox, on the other hand, is user-friendly and available with customised options. So for making personalised tweaks, Firefox is much more preferable than Chrome. If you want security, space, and plugins that are not available anywhere else, choose Chrome plugins. In short, in this debate of Chrome vs. Firefox, Firefox is the clear winner.