I’m working on a project that requires building a browser extension specifically for Gmail functionality. I’ve been researching different approaches and found several options including inboxSDK and gmail.js library. However, I’m not sure if these are considered industry standard methods or if there are better alternatives available.
My main concerns are:
Are these libraries reliable enough for commercial applications?
What other methods exist for Gmail extension development?
Which approach would be most suitable for a production environment?
I want to make sure I’m following best practices and using the most appropriate tools for this type of development. Any guidance on the recommended approach would be really helpful.
inboxsdk’s solid for commercial projects - ive used it 2+ yrs without major probs. gmail.js feels kinda outdated tho. if ur lookin for server-side integration, check out the official gmail api too. really depends on what features you need.
For production, start with Gmail API - it’s the most stable and has Google’s direct support. When you need deeper DOM manipulation or real-time UI interactions the API can’t handle, that’s where InboxSDK shines despite the learning curve. I’ve built Gmail extensions for enterprise clients, and a hybrid approach works best: Gmail API for data operations and email management, InboxSDK only for specific UI stuff. This cuts down on third-party dependencies while keeping everything functional. Don’t forget about maintenance overhead though. Gmail’s interface changes constantly, and libraries like gmail.js need constant updates to keep working. The official API stays way more consistent over time, which is huge for commercial apps where you can’t afford downtime.
I’ve built several Gmail extensions over the years. Start with the Gmail API when you can - it’s stable and has long-term support. But let’s be honest, most extension features need direct access to Gmail’s interface, which the API can’t handle.
That’s where InboxSDK comes in. I use it for custom compose buttons, sidebar widgets, and thread modifications. Just know it works by injecting code into Gmail’s web interface, so you’re always vulnerable when Google changes their UI.
Keep your InboxSDK code minimal and add solid error handling - that’s helped me avoid headaches. One downside: it needs broad permissions, which makes enterprise customers nervous about security.
The docs and community support are okay, but don’t expect the same level of help you’d get with official Google APIs.