{"id":212542,"date":"2021-03-27T13:40:00","date_gmt":"2021-03-27T10:40:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/en.buradabiliyorum.com\/what-is-a-browser-extension\/"},"modified":"2021-03-27T13:40:00","modified_gmt":"2021-03-27T10:40:00","slug":"what-is-a-browser-extension","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/what-is-a-browser-extension\/","title":{"rendered":"#What Is a Browser Extension?"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_84 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a29e92b5c508\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #dd3333;color:#dd3333\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #dd3333;color:#dd3333\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a29e92b5c508\" checked aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/what-is-a-browser-extension\/#A_Brief_History_of_Browser_Extensions\" >A Brief History of Browser Extensions<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/what-is-a-browser-extension\/#What_Can_Extensions_Do\" >What Can Extensions Do?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/what-is-a-browser-extension\/#Are_Extensions_Safe_to_Use\" >Are Extensions Safe to Use?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/what-is-a-browser-extension\/#How_to_Install_Browser_Extensions\" >How to Install Browser Extensions<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/what-is-a-browser-extension\/#Google_Chrome\" >Google Chrome<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/what-is-a-browser-extension\/#Microsoft_Edge\" >Microsoft Edge<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/what-is-a-browser-extension\/#Mozilla_Firefox\" >Mozilla Firefox<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/what-is-a-browser-extension\/#Apple_Safari\" >Apple Safari<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<p><strong>&#8220;#What Is a Browser Extension?&#8221;<\/strong><\/p>\n<div>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-718688\" src=\"https:\/\/www.howtogeek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/browser-extension.png?width=1200&amp;trim=1,1&amp;bg-color=000&amp;pad=1,1\" alt=\"browser extension icon\" width=\"650\" height=\"300\" onload=\"pagespeed.lazyLoadImages.loadIfVisibleAndMaybeBeacon(this);\" onerror=\"this.onerror=null;pagespeed.lazyLoadImages.loadIfVisibleAndMaybeBeacon(this);\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Browsers have evolved to become much more than simple internet navigators. A big part of that evolution was the introduction of \u201cextensions.\u201d They let you control how websites load and behave, and they can add extra features to your browser.<\/p>\n<h2 role=\"heading\" aria-level=\"2\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"A_Brief_History_of_Browser_Extensions\"><\/span>A Brief History of Browser Extensions<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Browser extensions go all the way back to 1999 with the fourth version of Microsoft\u2019s Internet Explorer. However, it wasn\u2019t until much later that extensions became the powerful tools that they are today.<\/p>\n<p>The first extensions on Internet Explorer were called \u201cExplorer Bars.\u201d They were simply specialized toolbars that could be added to the interface. For example, you could have an Explorer Bar that displayed a stock ticker.<\/p>\n<p>Mozilla\u2019s Firefox browser was the next to support extensions in 2004, followed by Opera in 2009, and finally, in 2010, by Google Chrome and Safari. Microsoft\u2019s Edge browser also supports extensions, of course.<\/p>\n<p>Similar to how third-party developers and the <a href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/category\/download-scripts-themes-apps\/\" data-internallinksmanager029f6b8e52c=\"9\" title=\"Download Scripts &amp; Themes &amp; Apps\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">App<\/a> Store exploded the popularity of apps on the iPhone, once developers were able to create extensions and distribute them in first-party web stores, they became very popular.<\/p>\n<h2 role=\"heading\" aria-level=\"2\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Can_Extensions_Do\"><\/span>What Can Extensions Do?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-718743 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.howtogeek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/edge-extensions.jpg?trim=1,1&amp;bg-color=000&amp;pad=1,1\" alt=\"Microsoft Edge extensions\" width=\"636\" height=\"224\" onload=\"pagespeed.lazyLoadImages.loadIfVisibleAndMaybeBeacon(this);\" onerror=\"this.onerror=null;pagespeed.lazyLoadImages.loadIfVisibleAndMaybeBeacon(this);\"\/><\/p>\n<p>The extent of what a browser extension can do is dependent on the browser. In the early days, extensions could access a lot of internal workings of browsers, but as security has tightened up, so have the abilities of extensions.<\/p>\n<p>You may have heard the phrase \u201cThere\u2019s an app for that,\u201d and it\u2019s similar for browser extensions. There are tons of things you can do with extensions. You can change the way tabs work, integrate your favorite note-taking service, get Gmail notifications, grammar-check your writing, and even play <a href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/category\/game\/\" data-internallinksmanager029f6b8e52c=\"7\" title=\"Game\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">game<\/a>s.<\/p>\n<p>There are two common types of extensions. Most either extend the functionality of the browser itself or integrate an existing service with the browser.<\/p>\n<p>For the first category, you\u2019ll find things like Picture-in-Picture for all video players, volume controls for each tab, dark mode for websites that don\u2019t have one, split-screen tabs, and tons of aesthetic customizations.<\/p>\n<p>The second category encompasses things like a Gmail notification checker, a \u201cSave to Google Drive\u201d button, an Evernote web clipper, a Todoist menu in the toolbar, coupons for online stores, and so much more.<\/p>\n<p>The best way to really see what extensions can do is to explore the extension store for your preferred browser.<\/p>\n<h2 role=\"heading\" aria-level=\"2\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Are_Extensions_Safe_to_Use\"><\/span>Are Extensions Safe to Use?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>As useful as browser extensions can be, they do present security and privacy concerns. This has to do with the permissions they\u2019re given when you install them. Google Chrome extensions, for example, can almost all \u201cread and change all your data on the websites you visit.\u201d Yikes.<\/p>\n<p><strong>RELATED:<\/strong> <strong><em>Why Do Chrome Extensions Need &#8220;All Your Data on the Websites You Visit&#8221;?<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>On top of that, extensions are running in your browser all the time. They\u2019re running when you check <a href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/category\/social-mediaa\/\" data-internallinksmanager029f6b8e52c=\"1\" title=\"Social Media\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Facebook<\/a>, when you transfer money from your bank\u2019s website, and when you enter your credit card information on Amazon.<\/p>\n<p>A malicious extension could easily be logging your keystrokes to steal passwords and personal information. It could be secretly redirecting your search traffic to a different place or selling your internet browsing data to advertisers. The list is endless.<\/p>\n<p>Of course, this isn\u2019t happening with the majority of extensions, and the companies that maintain web stores for them have been cracking down on malicious behavior. But it does happen, and people should be aware that extensions aren\u2019t harmless.<\/p>\n<p>One particularly dangerous aspect of extensions is how they can be updated automatically. This means that a popular extension could be hijacked and updated on your device and start collecting data without you ever knowing.<\/p>\n<p>So are extensions safe to use? There\u2019s no easy answer. In <a href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/category\/general\/\" data-internallinksmanager029f6b8e52c=\"3\" title=\"General\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">general<\/a>, if you\u2019re downloading well-reviewed extensions from companies that you trust, you should be safe. But the best practice is to use as few extensions as possible. Sure, they can be handy and fun, but you shouldn\u2019t download them willy-nilly. Only use what you need.<\/p>\n<p><strong>RELATED:<\/strong> <strong><em>Did You Know Browser Extensions Are Looking at Your Bank Account?<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<h2 role=\"heading\" aria-level=\"2\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_Install_Browser_Extensions\"><\/span>How to Install Browser Extensions<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>With all of that in mind, let\u2019s talk about installing extensions. It\u2019s simply a matter of visiting the web store for your preferred browser. We have guides that cover Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Mozilla Firefox, and Safari.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Google_Chrome\"><\/span>Google Chrome<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The process begins by heading to the <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/chrome.google.com\/webstore\/category\/extensions?hl=en-US\">Chrome Web Store<\/a>. You can search by name or browse by category. Once you find an extension, simply click the \u201cAdd to Chrome\u201d button.<\/p>\n<p><strong>RELATED:<\/strong> <strong><em>How to Install and Manage Extensions in Chrome<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Microsoft_Edge\"><\/span>Microsoft Edge<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Microsoft Edge extensions can be\u00a0downloaded\u00a0from the\u00a0<a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/microsoftedge.microsoft.com\/addons\/Microsoft-Edge-Extensions-Home?hl=en-US\">Microsoft Store<\/a>\u00a0<em>and<\/em>\u00a0the\u00a0Chrome Web Store. It\u2019s just a matter of finding an extension and clicking the \u201cGet\u201d button.<\/p>\n<p><strong>RELATED:<\/strong> <strong><em>How to Install and Use Extensions in the New Microsoft Edge<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>RELATED:<\/strong> <strong><em>How to Install Google Chrome Extensions in Microsoft Edge<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Mozilla_Firefox\"><\/span>Mozilla Firefox<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Firefox uses the term \u201cAdd-ons\u201d a lot when referencing extensions. You can search for, browse, and install Firefox extensions from the Mozilla <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/addons.mozilla.org\/en-US\/firefox\/extensions\/\">add-on page<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><strong>RELATED:<\/strong> <strong><em>How to Install Extensions (Add-ons) in Mozilla Firefox<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Apple_Safari\"><\/span>Apple Safari<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Safari extensions can be downloaded from the Mac App Store. You can search by name or browse through different categories on the \u201cSafari Extensions\u201d pages. Simply click the \u201cInstall\u201d button when you find one that you like.<\/p>\n<p><strong>RELATED:<\/strong> <strong><em>How to Install Safari Extensions on Mac<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<hr\/>\n<p>Think of extensions as \u201cmini apps\u201d that can add functionality and integrate your favorite services with your browser. Do you absolutely need extensions to use a web browser? Not at all. Can they improve your experience? Absolutely. Just don\u2019t get carried away.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><script>\n setTimeout(function(){\n  !function(f,b,e,v,n,t,s)\n  {if(f.fbq)return;n=f.fbq=function(){n.callMethod?\n  n.callMethod.apply(n,arguments):n.queue.push(arguments)};\n  if(!f._fbq)f._fbq=n;n.push=n;n.loaded=!0;n.version='2.0';\n  n.queue=[];t=b.createElement(e);t.async=!0;\n  t.src=v;s=b.getElementsByTagName(e)[0];\n  s.parentNode.insertBefore(t,s) } (window, document,'script',\n  'https:\/\/connect.facebook.net\/en_US\/fbevents.js');\n   fbq('init', '335401813750447');\n   fbq('track', 'PageView');\n  },3000);\n<\/script><\/p>\n<blockquote><p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">If you liked the article, do not forget to share it with your friends. 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A big part of that evolution was the introduction of \u201cextensions.\u201d They let you control how websites load and behave, and they can add extra features to your browser. A Brief History of Browser Extensions Browser extensions go all&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":212543,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/www.howtogeek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/browser-extension.png?height=200p&trim=2,2,2,2","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[18],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-212542","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-technology"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/212542","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=212542"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/212542\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/212543"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=212542"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=212542"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=212542"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}