Syntax - Tasty Web Development Treats

755: Chrome Extensions and Ad Blockers VS Google with Oliver Dunk

Apr 12, 2024

54:04

Snipd AI

Google representative Oliver Dunk discusses Chrome Extensions, Manifest V3, ad blockers, and browser security in a lively conversation. Topics include the impact of manifest version three, challenges with ad blocker rules, service workers, extension development stack, debugging techniques, and the ongoing battle between content creators and ad blockers.

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Manifest V3 brings significant changes to Chrome Extensions, emphasizing service workers and declarative net request APIs.

Developers face challenges in extension modification, with solutions like off-screen documents and dynamic rule sets being explored.

Debugging extensions using DevTools and enhancing capabilities with API improvements are crucial for extension development.

Deep dives

Oliver Dunk discusses the future of Chrome extensions

Oliver Dunk, a developer relations engineer at Google, joins the podcast to talk about the future of extensions on Chrome, including the changes and controversies surrounding ad blockers.

Introduction

2min

Transition and Updates in Chrome Extensions from Manifest V2 to V3

4min

Navigating the Complexity of Chrome Extension Rules

15min

Exploring Chrome Extension Functionality and Service Worker Evolution

12min

Exploring Chrome Extension Development Stack

2min

Exploring Chrome Extensions and API Developments

12min

Personal Preferences and Browser Extension Development

5min

Exploring Safari's Web Extension Support and Ad Blocker Challenges

2min

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?