The developing Epiphany web browser, based on the WebKitGTK engine and offered to users as GNOME Web, now includes support for extensions in the WebExtension format. The WebExtensions API allows creating extensions using standard web technologies and standardizes the development of extensions across various browsers (WebExtensions is used in extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Safari). The version with extension support will be included in the GNOME 43 release scheduled for September 21.
It is noted that Epiphany currently implements only part of the WebExtension API, but this support is already sufficient for running some popular extensions. Over time, support for the WebExtension API will be expanded. Development is being carried out with an eye on the implementation of the second version of the extension manifest and ensuring compatibility with extensions for Firefox and Chrome. Among the unimplemented APIs is webRequest, used in extensions to block unwanted content. Among the APIs already available are:
- alarms — generating events at specified times.
- cookies — managing and accessing cookies.
- downloads — managing downloads.
- menus — creating context menu items.
- notifications — displaying notifications.
- storage — storing data and settings.
- tabs — managing tabs.
- windows — managing windows.
The next GNOME release will also restore support for self-contained web applications in the PWA (Progressive Web Apps) format. This includes a collection of web applications in the GNOME Software application manager that can be installed and uninstalled like regular programs. Running web applications in the user environment is done using the Epiphany browser. Compatibility with PWA applications created for Chrome is planned.
Source: opennet.ru
