Mozilla recently announced that its Firefox browser will soon support extension designed for Google Chrome. Mozilla said that its decision to support Chrome extension is needed in order to increase Firefox's compatibility with other Internet browsers, most notably Chrome and Opera.
According to CIO Today, the new application programming interface (API) called WebExtension will make it easier for developers to create new extension intended for multiple browser platform. This will negate the current browser-exclusivity when it comes to extension development and creation.
Additionally, the new WebExtension API will allow browser extensions developed for Chrome and Opera to run on Firefox with minimal or zero changes at all. Mozilla said that it is hopeful that its new initial will ultimately find its way on the new Microsoft Edge browser.
In a statement posted by Mozilla on its official website, the company said, "Developers of Firefox-only add-ons will have to make changes. Those changes may require considerable development effort up-front, but we feel the end result will be worth that effort for both Firefox's users and developers."
For Firefox developers who wants their extension to be compatible with the Chrome browser, they first have to get their current browser extension validated and signed by Mozilla.
The new WebExtension API is currently available on the Firefox 42 Developer Edition. Mozilla said that it is planning to upgrade and develop its new API based on feedback and comments coming from tech communities.
Some feedback aimed towards the new Mozilla API said that the company is slowly changing the Firefox browser into a copycat of Chrome.