Let all developers remember- there is no such thing as frivolous Firefox extensions!!
The purists feared that the Firefox extension feature would destroy the very concept of web browsing software applications. They feared that the Firefox extension feature would be used to incorporate silly and frivolous features into the web browsing software application which would ultimately result in the reduction in the efficiency and functionality of the web browsing software application. The developers of other web browsing software applications were wary of giving too much control in the hands of the end users. They were of the opinion that a certain section of end users would dominate the web browsing software application and would insist on the web browsing software application catering to their requirements only.
The developers of other web browsing software applications were of the opinion that the fact that the Firefox web browsing software application was an open source web browser and the Firefox web browser offered the extension feature was the perfect recipe for disaster. However, the success of the Firefox extension feature has clearly disproved the opinion of the developers of the web browsing software applications about the end users. The view that end users of web browsing software applications are not responsible individuals has been disproved. The end users of the web browsing software applications have clearly indicated that they have the intelligence and the skills required to determine the proper course of development of the web browsing software application.
The market has not been flooded with silly and frivolous Firefox extensions. Furthermore, silly and frivolous Firefox extensions have not interfered with the experience of the end users of the web browsing software application. There are many categories of Firefox extensions and most of the categories of the Firefox extensions deals with serious issues related to the web browsing experience. Today, there are Firefox extensions that enhance the security of the web browsing software application. There are Firefox extensions that inform the end user whether the site that is being visited is safe or not. There are many Firefox extensions that are designed just for those end users who like to purchase and sell goods over the internet.
There are Firefox extensions that inform the end users whether the particular website that is being visited is safe enough for the disclosure of the credit card number of the individual. Needless to say, the real time feedback about the safety and the security measures of the website helps the end users determine whether he should trust the website or not. There are many instances where end uses who relied upon the Firefox extension feature escaped scams and frauds that they otherwise would have suffered. Now, I do not think the large number of Firefox extensions catering to the security requirements of the individuals can be classified as silly or frivolous Firefox extensions. In fact, the truth is that there is no such thing as a silly or frivolous Firefox extension.
A Firefox extension that is downloaded and installed even by a single individual end user of the Firefox web browsing software application cannot be called a silly or unnecessary extension. If you happened to be that single end user, I am sure you would not like the fact that others are judging you and your preferences. The developers of the Firefox web browsing software application have never sat in judgment over the requirements and expectations of the end users. A requirement that is supported by a majority of the end users is a sensible requirement while a requirement that does not enjoy the support of the masses is not an essential requirement.
This simple rule is what determines whether a particular feature is required or not and whether a particular feature is sensible or not.
Technorati Tags: Mozilla, Firefox, Firefox web browser, Firefox end user, Firefox features, Firefox extensions, Firefox modification
Tags: Extensions & Plugins, Firefox Browser
