Exploring Chrome Extension Functionality and Service Worker Evolution

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A deep dive into the capabilities of Chrome extensions, focusing on code execution on web pages and DOM manipulation. The discussion covers the shift to service workers in manifest version three, emphasizing content scripts for page modifications and off-screen documents for background tasks. The chapter also envisions the potential of service workers with expanded APIs and speculates on incorporating Canvas functionalities to improve performance.

We were wrong, Manifest V3 is a big deal. Scott and Wes sit down with Oliver Dunk from Google to dive into the intricate world of Chrome Extensions development. From dissecting Manifest V3 to exploring the evolving landscape of browser security and extension reviews, this conversation covers the present and future of browser customization.

Show Notes

00:00 Welcome to Syntax!
00:32 Who is Oliver Dunk?
02:00 Brought to you by Sentry.
03:17 Manifest V3.
08:59 How many rules can you add?
09:56 What even is a rule?
10:52 Is Google trying to kill ad blockers?
13:56 What are the bad guys doing with Chrome extensions?
15:17 Can a browser extension access HTTP-only cookies?
16:06 Is Chrome reviewing all of these extensions?
19:06 Is there a way to side-step Google’s review process?
Reddit Thread, The real threat of Manifest V3
20:32 Do you see the negative chatter?
21:18 Service workers - how do do you access the DOM?
23:32 Do you think we’ll see more DOM APIs in service workers?
25:58 Do you have a favorite Chrome extension?
28:33 Has Google ever explored something comparable to Boost?
SidePanel
33:09 Let’s talk about the development stack.
35:54 1Password and Chrome.
38:39 What is the best way to debug an extension?
YouTube Chrome for Developers
40:33 Manifest V3 and the web request blocking API.
41:57 Known tracking payloads.
44:04 Do you think there is a path forward that makes ad-block developers happy?
44:45 Do you run an ad blocker?
45:20 Whitelisting and opt-ins.
46:38 What’s your tech setup?
47:18 What do you do to stay up to date?
47:51 Sick Picks + Shameless Plugs.
51:47 Wait, is Safari adopting V3 as well?