I’m looking to create a browser extension for Gmail but I’m not sure about the best approach. I’ve checked out inboxSDK and gmail.js, but I’m wondering if these are the go-to solutions for Gmail extensions. Are there any other methods I should consider? More importantly, are these options suitable for real-world applications?
I’m particularly interested in:
- The most widely accepted methods for Gmail extension development
- Any alternatives to inboxSDK and gmail.js
- The reliability of these tools for production use
If anyone has experience with Gmail extension development, I’d really appreciate your insights. Thanks in advance for any help or advice you can offer!
Having developed Gmail extensions professionally, I can attest that both InboxSDK and gmail.js are reliable options. However, don’t overlook Google’s official Gmail Add-ons framework. It’s server-side, which means better performance and easier maintenance. The downside is a more limited UI, but it’s highly stable and seamlessly integrates with Google Workspace.
For browser-based extensions, consider using Chrome’s Manifest V3 with content scripts. This approach gives you more control and future-proofing, albeit with a steeper learning curve. Whichever method you choose, always implement robust error handling and regular testing against Gmail’s latest version to ensure long-term reliability.
hey there, i’ve worked on gmail extensions before. inboxSDK is pretty solid, but can be a bit overkill for simpler stuff. gmail.js is lighter but less feature-rich. for reliability, both are decent choices. just keep an eye on gmail’s frequent updates - they can break things sometimes. good luck with ur project!
As someone who’s been in the trenches with Gmail extension development, I can tell you it’s a bit of a wild ride. InboxSDK and gmail.js are solid choices, but they’re not the only game in town. I’ve had success using plain old content scripts with the Gmail DOM. It’s more work upfront, but gives you incredible flexibility and control.
One thing to keep in mind - Gmail’s structure changes frequently. Whatever approach you take, build in plenty of error handling and fallbacks. I learned this the hard way when an update broke my extension overnight.
For production use, I’d recommend a hybrid approach. Use a library like InboxSDK for the heavy lifting, but be prepared to drop down to lower-level DOM manipulation when needed. And always, always have a comprehensive test suite. It’ll save your bacon when Gmail inevitably throws you a curveball.