cross-browser extension development alternatives

Question

I would like to develop a browser extension for all major browsers. From what I've read this can be quite painful, particularly for IE.

Before starting with the project, I would like to know what are my basic alternatives. I can think of two:

1. Develop an extension independently for each browser
2. Hire someone to develop the extension for me

Are there any other options?

Answer 1

Two more alternatives:

• you can use a cross-browser extension development framework, like the ones described here
• minimize the amount of code that necessarily has to run in the extension because it requires extended privileges, for instance access to special browser functionality. Put the rest of the code in a JavaScript file and make the extension inject it in every page. You can write this JS once and reuse it for every browser (if you are careful with JS cross-browser issues, or use GWT). You could even move the UI parts to this JS file and let the toolbar appear inside of the web page instead of on the browser window, just like Browseye and Meebo have done.

Here you can find a list of the pros and cons of the different alternatives.

Hiring somebody should be the last option. Be careful with intellectual property issues and disputes over the ownership of the extension code.

Answer 2

You should definitely check out the Crossrider cross-browser development framework

With their platform you can:

1. Develop cross-browser extensions with only javascript code and one API
2. Supports Chrome, Firefox, Safari and most importantly Internet Explorer!
3. Crossrider has an online IDE where you can develop extensions on the fly and with no need to download an SDK (you can however develop locally on your machine if you wish)
4. Fully customised Windows Installer which can be install on all browser from one EXE and can also be defined as a SILENT installer.
5. Hosted installation pages and Installation Widget if you wish to install user to your own website
6. 24/7 Support!

And much much more..