Extension API vs Web Applications
Developers should learn and use Extension APIs when they need to build custom functionality for existing platforms without modifying the core source code, such as creating browser extensions to block ads or enhance web pages, developing IDE plugins to support new programming languages or tools, or integrating add-ons into enterprise software like CRM systems meets developers should learn web application development to build interactive, scalable, and accessible software that can be used across different devices and platforms without installation. Here's our take.
Extension API
Developers should learn and use Extension APIs when they need to build custom functionality for existing platforms without modifying the core source code, such as creating browser extensions to block ads or enhance web pages, developing IDE plugins to support new programming languages or tools, or integrating add-ons into enterprise software like CRM systems
Extension API
Nice PickDevelopers should learn and use Extension APIs when they need to build custom functionality for existing platforms without modifying the core source code, such as creating browser extensions to block ads or enhance web pages, developing IDE plugins to support new programming languages or tools, or integrating add-ons into enterprise software like CRM systems
Pros
- +This is particularly valuable for extending popular applications where direct modification isn't feasible, enabling rapid development of niche features, improving productivity, or tailoring software to specific organizational needs
- +Related to: javascript, web-apis
Cons
- -Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case
Web Applications
Developers should learn web application development to build interactive, scalable, and accessible software that can be used across different devices and platforms without installation
Pros
- +This is essential for creating e-commerce sites, social media platforms, online banking systems, and productivity tools like Google Docs, where real-time collaboration and broad accessibility are key
- +Related to: html-css, javascript
Cons
- -Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case
The Verdict
These tools serve different purposes. Extension API is a platform while Web Applications is a concept. We picked Extension API based on overall popularity, but your choice depends on what you're building.
Based on overall popularity. Extension API is more widely used, but Web Applications excels in its own space.
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