Top 10 Firefox Super Extensions

Friday, August 04, 2006 4:00 AM

Posted by Jonathan Danylko | Tag: Firefox | Comments: 14 | View blog reactions

Everyone uses Firefox extensions, but sometimes you need super extensions.

Everyone uses Firefox extensions, but sometimes you need super extensions. Super extensions are extensions that could be considered standalone applications, but instead integrate seamlessly into Firefox, showing the extendability and strength of the Firefox's extension architecture.

Check out these top extensions that could be their own application.

1. Codetch Editor - http://www.codetch.com/
   To those who remember, the Codetch Editor extension is similar to the Netscape Composer back in the Netscape days...only better. The extension is an IDE itself. It contains a File Explorer, Snippits and Bookmarks Panel, and the familiar JavaScript Error panel. For simple editing of pages, this extension provides an environment for beginning and intermediate webmasters alike.
   
   
2. Google Notebook - http://www.google.com/notebook/
   Not only did Google put out a Notebook application, but they also created an extension to complement the website. This extension is a pack rats dream come true. The web site is meant for researchers who collect data through the Internet and file it into their "notebooks." Google created an extension specifically meant for the Google Notebook site. Future extensions should be developed this way to allow multiple ways to access your data in case one option isn't available.
   
   
3. Sage RSS Reader - http://sage.mozdev.org/
   The Sage RSS Reader is one of the top RSS readers out there with customizable CSS "newspapers", RSS (2.0, 1.0, 0.9x) and Atom feeds, a number of locales, and, like Firefox, provides RSS Feed discovery. Next to FeedDemon (which is a full application), this lightweight solution is probably the best way to handle RSS feeds in a browser.
   
   
4. Venkman's JavaScript Debugger - http://www.mozilla.org/projects/venkman/
   The way to debug JavaScript web applications. The Venkman JavaScript Debugger is similar to the Codetch Editor in the sense that its an IDE in itself. The extension provides a way to watch local variables, move through the JavaScript source, set breakpoints, and step through each line of code. An excellent tool for web developers of JavaScript.
   
   
5. FireFTP - http://fireftp.mozdev.org/
   For Internet Explorer users, you can use the FTP capabilities in the browser. Now, Firefox users have an easier, more manageable way of using FTP: FireFTP. FireFTP is a simple client that shows the local folders on the left and remote folders on the right, reminiscent of <insert your favorite FTP application here>. Uploading files in a browser couldn't be any simpler.
   
   
6. Firefoxit - http://firefoxit.mozdev.org/
   FirefoxIt is an extension that has an identity crisis. It thinks its an operating system. The extension is in beta, but if its extended even more, it could show promise in the future. It has custom components called widgets (a fitting term) and you can create your own. It almost acts like ActiveDesktop using Firefox.
   
   
7. Web Developer toolbar - http://chrispederick.com/work/webdeveloper/
   This extension incorporates so much functionality that it is a combination of three or more of my tools that I use for client web sites. The web developer extension takes all of the common tools of a developer and encapsulates all of it into one toolbar. This is just another location where the exceptional Web Developer extension is listed, meaning it is a very powerful extension.
   
   
8. ForecastFox Enhanced - http://users.rcn.com/shoofy/forecastfox_enhanced/
   If you have the WeatherBug installed in your system tray in the bottom right-hand corner, uninstall it and install this weather application...errr...extension. After you enter in your zipcode, ForecastFox Enhanced displays an indicator on the status bar of Firefox. If you roll your mouse over the radar, you are presented with a radar view of the current weather in your area. Click on the radar to be taken to AccuWeather.com for more details. It is always updated and even provides a 2-3 day forecast.
   
   
9. Selenium IDE - http://www.openqa.org/selenium-ide/
   Quality Assurrance on a web site has its drawback, but the Selenium extension makes testing web sites all the easier. The extension provides an IDE where you can record, edit, and debug tests geared towards your web site. You can record the scripts if you want, but you can also edit the scripts by hand to provide even more detailed testing on a tough web page. The Selenium IDE extension is invaluable to QA and testers.
   
   
10. FireBug - http://www.joehewitt.com/software/firebug/
    In this day and age, everyone is talking about AJAX. Joe Hewitt developed the FireBug extension, which is an IDE in itself. It provides a way to monitor your CSS, JavaScript, HTML, and AJAX. The FireBug also contains a JavaScript Debugger, an Error Console, a command line, and an AJAX Request Spy to track your AJAX requests.
    

Most of these extensions were previously reviewed in my weekly column called Fireday.

Technorati Tags: Technology, Firefox, Firefox, Super extensions, Firefox extensions, Firefox extension

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