Edge Browser Extension Essentials for Developers

If you're a developer using Microsoft Edge, here's a quick rundown of essential extensions that can streamline your workflow and enhance your web development projects:

• Web Developer Checklist: Offers a handy checklist for website best practices.
• JSON Formatter: Easily formats and makes JSON data readable.
• Octotree - GitHub Code Tree: Helps navigate GitHub projects with a tree view.
• Daily.dev: Curates the latest web development news and articles.
• Window Resizer: Tests different screen sizes for responsive design.

Additionally, we cover how to install, manage, and even create your own Edge extensions, alongside advanced tips for making extensions more powerful and user-friendly. Whether you're looking to improve productivity, optimize performance, or ensure your browsing and development work respects user privacy, Microsoft Edge and its range of extensions have a lot to offer.

Chromium Base

Edge is made with the same tech as Google Chrome, which means websites will look and work pretty much the same on both. This is great because it means less headache trying to fix weird issues that pop up only in one browser.

Extension Support

The Edge Add-ons store is like a treasure chest full of tools you can add to your browser. It has lots of the same tools you'd find for Chrome, like ones for React, Redux, and Vue.js. This means you can keep using your favorite tools without any trouble.

Efficiency

Edge is designed to be quick and light on your computer. It loads pages fast, runs JavaScript quickly, and doesn't hog your computer's memory. This is good news if you're building websites that need to be super speedy.

Developer Tools

Edge has some pretty neat tools for people who make websites. It has the same tools as Chrome but gets new features even sooner. You can check how your site looks on mobile devices and play around with modern web designs using CSS Grid and Flexbox.

Privacy

Edge is big on privacy. It blocks trackers and third-party cookies by default. This might make it more appealing to people who are worried about their data being collected online. As a developer, making sites that respect privacy can be a plus.

So, if you're used to working with Chrome but want to try something a bit different, Edge could be a good choice. It's got a solid base with Chromium, comes with lots of helpful tools, runs efficiently, and cares about privacy. Why not give it a shot for your next project?

Top Edge Browser Extensions for Developers

1. Web Developer Checklist

Functionality

This extension puts a checklist right in your toolbar for when you're making websites. It talks about things like making sure your site works for everyone, loads quickly, and shows up in search engines. Clicking it shows a list with simple tips for each part of your site. It's like having a little reminder to check your work, useful for both beginners and pros.

Ease of Use

Using the checklist is easy - just one click and you see everything. The tips are straightforward without a lot of complicated words. You don't need to set anything up. It's quick to look through, helping you spot problems fast without taking up much time.

Performance Impact

This extension is super light and won't make your browser slow. It uses what's already on your computer to show the list, so it opens right away without any waiting. This means it won't interrupt your work or slow you down, letting you check things quickly.

Developer Productivity Enhancement

This checklist can really help developers do their job better. It reminds you of the important stuff so you can avoid big mistakes. This means less time fixing problems later. It's also great for people who are still learning how to make websites because it shows them how to do things right from the start. In short, it helps you work smarter and save time fixing mistakes.

User Ratings and Reviews

People really like this extension, giving it top marks in over 800 reviews. They say it's super helpful to have a quick list of things to check while they work. Many found it helped catch big problems early, saving them from bigger headaches later. Some wished for an even longer list of tips. But overall, it gets a lot of praise for making work easier.

2. JSON Formatter

Functionality

The JSON Formatter extension makes JSON data easy to read by organizing it neatly. It adds spaces, colors, and allows you to collapse parts you don't need to see. This helps you understand JSON data better.

Ease of Use

Using JSON Formatter is simple. It works automatically when you open a page with JSON data or if you paste JSON code into the browser. It also has buttons to make the JSON smaller, copy it, or save it, all without needing any special setup.

Performance Impact

JSON Formatter doesn't slow down your browser. It only works on JSON data when needed and is quick even with big JSON files. It doesn't use a lot of your computer's resources.

Developer Productivity Enhancement

For anyone working with JSON, this tool is a big help. It makes JSON data easier to read and work with, saving time when checking API responses. It also helps find mistakes in the formatting that could lead to errors. Overall, it makes the job of dealing with JSON much easier.

User Ratings and Reviews

JSON Formatter is well-liked, with many users giving it five stars. They say it saves them a lot of time and makes JSON data look clean and organized. Some say they rely on it heavily when working with JSON. The few complaints are about times when the formatting isn't perfect.

3. Octotree - GitHub Code Tree

Functionality

Octotree is a free tool that helps you see GitHub project files in a tree layout. It makes it easier to find and understand files, folders, and other details in a project. When you're on GitHub, Octotree shows this tree view on the side so you can quickly go through a project's structure.

Ease of Use

Getting started with Octotree is easy. It kicks in by itself when you're looking at a project on GitHub, showing you the project's files in a neat sidebar. You can open or close parts of the tree to find what you need. If you want, you can change how it looks or works in its settings.

Performance Impact

Octotree doesn't slow down your browsing. It loads the project's structure on the side without messing with the main GitHub page, so you can keep working smoothly. People who use it say it doesn't make their browser lag.

Developer Productivity Enhancement

If you spend a lot of time on GitHub, Octotree can save you a lot of hassle. It lets you skip the endless scrolling and clicking to find files. Instead, you get a clear map of the project that helps you find your way around quickly. This can help you work faster and more efficiently.

User Ratings and Reviews

Lots of people use Octotree - over a million, in fact. They've given it great feedback, with a score of 4.9 out of 5 from nearly 5,000 reviews. Users really like how it makes working with GitHub easier, its simple design, being free to use, and getting regular updates. The few complaints are about small issues, like sometimes waiting a bit for the tree to show up.

4. Daily.dev - The Homepage Developers Deserve

Functionality

Daily.dev is like a custom news feed for developers. It brings you the latest updates on web development, tools, and projects you care about. Once you add it to your browser, it sorts through news and articles based on what you like, and you can even add topics from GitHub, Twitter, and Reddit.

Ease of Use

Setting it up is easy. Just add the extension, pick your interests, and you're good to go. It updates your feed on its own, so you don't have to do anything else. If you want to add more topics or connect other accounts, it's just a few clicks away.

Performance Impact

Daily.dev is designed to be light. It doesn't slow down your computer or your browsing, and everything on its site loads fast. This means you can keep it running without worrying about it making your browser lag.

Developer Productivity Enhancement

With Daily.dev, you don't have to spend time looking for news or tools for coding. It brings everything to you, saving you at least 30 minutes a day. It's like having a personal assistant that keeps you updated without any extra work from you.

User Ratings and Reviews

More than 6,000 users have given Daily.dev a 4.9/5 rating. They love how it saves them time by bringing relevant updates directly to them. Users also like how they can customize what they see and connect with other services. Some users mentioned small issues or missing services, but overall, the feedback is very positive.

5. Window Resizer

Functionality

Window Resizer lets you change your browser window to different sizes. This is handy for seeing how websites look on various devices, like phones or tablets. You can pick from ready-made sizes or set your own.

Ease of Use

It's really easy to use Window Resizer. Just click its icon, choose a size, and your window changes. If you want to use your own size, just type in the width and height. It's all pretty simple.

Performance Impact

Using Window Resizer doesn't slow down your computer. It's quick and doesn't need extra stuff to work, so you can check different sizes without any hassle.

Developer Productivity Enhancement

This tool makes it easier to see if your site looks right on different screens without needing to test on actual devices. It's a big time-saver because you can spot and fix issues with how things look much faster.

User Ratings and Reviews

People have given Window Resizer lots of 5-star reviews, over 700 in fact. They say it's a huge help in making sure websites work well on all kinds of devices. Some users mentioned small problems when setting custom sizes, but overall, it's seen as a very useful tool.

How to Install and Manage Edge Extensions

Installing extensions on Microsoft Edge is pretty easy. Here's how to do it step by step:

Finding Extensions

The best place to look for Edge extensions is the Edge Add-ons website. You can look through different categories or search for something specific.

When you find an extension you like, click "Get" to see more about it like how other users rated it, some pictures of it in action, and what people think about it.

Adding Extensions

To add an extension to Edge:

• Hit "Get" on the extension's page on the Edge Add-ons site.
• A box will pop up asking if you're sure you want to add the extension. Click "Add extension".
• And you're all set! The extension will be added to your Microsoft Edge.

You might have to give it some permissions or do a bit more setup depending on the extension.

Managing Extensions

To keep an eye on your extensions:

1. Click the Extensions icon (looks like a puzzle piece) at the top right of the Edge window.
2. Here you can turn extensions on or off, get rid of them, or click on an extension for more options.

In this menu, you can also go to the full Extension Management page where you can adjust permissions, look into debugging options, and other stuff.

Keeping Extensions Updated

Extensions update on their own, so you don't have to worry much. But if you want to check for updates:

1. Go to edge://extensions
2. Click the "Update extensions now" button

This will check for and install any updates for your extensions. It's a good idea to do this now and then to make sure you have the latest updates and security fixes.

And there you go, that's the basic rundown on how to find, add, manage, and update extensions in Microsoft Edge. With a few clicks, you can add tools to make browsing better, help with coding efficiency, and more.

Building Your Own Edge Extension

Making your own Edge extension isn't as hard as it sounds. If you know a bit of JavaScript and can follow some steps, you can create a tool that's just right for you. Let's break it down:

1. Set Up the File Structure

Every Edge extension needs a few key files to work. These include:

• Manifest file - This file tells Edge what your extension is about and what it needs to do its job.
• Background script - This is a script that runs in the background, taking care of the heavy lifting.
• Content script - This script interacts with the web pages you visit.

You might also want to add:

• Popup UI - A small window for users to interact with your extension.
• Icons and images - Pictures to make your extension look good.

2. Configure the Manifest

The manifest is a JSON file that Edge reads to get to know your extension. It includes things like:

• The extension's name, description, and version
• What permissions it needs
• The scripts that make it work

Make sure to correctly list your scripts and actions, like popups.

3. Write the Background Script

This JavaScript file is always running, waiting to act. It can:

• Respond to what happens in the browser
• Send and get messages
• Change data or what you see on a page

It's what ties your extension together.

4. Add Functionality with Content Scripts

Content scripts interact with the pages you go to. They can:

• Change what's on a page
• Alter how a page looks
• React to changes on the page

This is where your extension really comes to life.

5. Build a Popup UI

A popup, made with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, lets users change settings and do more with your extension. It can have:

• Settings to tweak
• A switch to turn it on or off
• Indicators to show status
• Buttons for specific actions

It pops up when someone clicks on the extension icon.

6. Debug and Test

As you put your extension together, keep:

• Checking the manifest is right
• Using console logs to find issues
• Reloading to see changes quickly
• Making sure it works in other browsers too

Then, you're ready to share it on the Edge Add-ons store!

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Advanced Tips for Edge Extension Developers

Here are some smart ways for developers who want to make more complex or really useful extensions for Microsoft Edge:

Utilize the Runtime APIs

The Runtime APIs are your tools to talk to the browser and get important info. For instance:

• tabs API to learn about open tabs and change them
• storage API for keeping extension data safe
• webRequest API to keep an eye on and check network requests

These can make your extension do more things.

Optimize Performance

Here's how to keep your extension running smoothly:

• Load parts only when they're needed
• Try not to mess with the webpage too much
• Slow down events that happen a lot, like scrolling
• Use background scripts for heavy tasks instead of making changes directly on the page

Keeping your code clean means your extension won't slow things down.

Implement Secure Data Storage

When you handle users' private info:

• Pick chrome.storage over regular web storage for safety
• Scramble data before saving it
• Only ask for the permissions you really need

This way, users can trust your extension more.

Plan for Cross-Browser Support

If you want your extension to work on different browsers, make sure it fits with:

• Firefox and its Browser Extensions framework
• Safari's App Extensions
• Edge through the add-ons site

You might need to adjust things, but the main parts of your extension can stay the same.

Allow Customization

Give users who know their stuff the chance to make it their own:

• Make a settings page for choosing options
• Let them change CSS/themes
• Offer keyboard shortcuts that can be changed

This makes your extension more flexible.

By getting good at using Edge's features for extensions, you can create browser add-ons that really help users. Stick to these best practices, and you'll be able to make tools that make browsing better.

Conclusion

Edge browser extensions are really handy tools that help make life easier for people who build websites. They help you work better and faster, make it easier to work with others, and make sure you can always find the stuff you need to learn.

If you're used to using Chrome and its extensions, you'll find Edge pretty similar because it uses the same underlying tech. This means websites look the same in both browsers. Edge also has some cool features of its own, like being faster and caring more about keeping your browsing private.

There are tons of extensions available for all sorts of things - whether you want to quickly jot down notes, keep up with the latest in web development, or even create your own tools. Adding and managing these extensions is simple, so you can make Edge work just how you like it.

For those who have a specific need that no existing extension meets, Edge also gives you the tools to create your own. Microsoft offers a lot of help and tools for building your own extensions, making it possible to tailor your browser exactly to your needs.

In short, Edge offers a lot of ways for developers to make their work easier and more efficient. By using these extensions, developers can really streamline how they work.

Related Questions

What is browser essentials on Edge?

Browser essentials on Microsoft Edge are like little alerts that tell you when something might be slowing down your browser or making it less safe. It might suggest you close tabs you're not using, turn on features to stop websites from tracking you, or remind you to update your extensions to keep things running smoothly.

What are the best extensions for Microsoft Edge?

Here are some great extensions you might want to try on Edge:

• Adblock Plus - Helps you avoid annoying ads
• Office Online - Lets you use Word, Excel, and PowerPoint in your browser
• Honey - Looks for discount codes when you shop online
• Enhancer for YouTubeTM - Makes watching YouTube videos a better experience
• LastPass - Keeps your passwords safe and fills them in for you
• OneNote Web Clipper - Lets you save web pages to OneNote with a click

Does Microsoft Edge have Developer Tools?

Yes, Microsoft Edge comes with a bunch of tools for people who make websites. These tools help you fix problems in your code, see how your website looks on different devices, and more. You can get to these tools by right-clicking on a webpage and selecting "Inspect" or by pressing Ctrl+Shift+I.

How do I enable developer mode extensions in Edge?

To turn on developer mode for extensions in Edge, do this:

1. Go to More Tools > Extensions to open the Extensions page
2. At the bottom, there's a checkbox for "Developer mode" - make sure it's checked
3. This mode lets you try out extensions before they're fully ready, by loading them directly into the browser

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