Description

Tech Stack for Chrome Extension Development
Chrome extensions—small programs, says Google’s own docs—change up the browser with HTML for layout, CSS for looks, JavaScript for action. Upstaff developers start with a manifest file, manifest.json. That’s where they list what the extension needs—permissions, parts like background scripts or popups. It’s the blueprint, pulled from Chrome’s API guide, setting the stage.
They stick to Manifest V3 now—Google’s 2025 standard. No more old background pages; service workers run the show. Security’s tighter, some APIs cut off.
A developer might write a script to mess with a webpage’s DOM—highlight text—or watch tabs with a background task. Takes knowing Chrome’s runtime stuff, tabs calls, all adjusted for V3’s quirks.Developing a Chrome extension involves a combination of frontend, backend, and API technologies to ensure smooth functionality, performance, and scalability. Here’s the essential tech stack:
1. Front-end (User Interface & Interactions)

HTML/CSS – For structuring and styling the extension’s popup, options page, and UI components.
JavaScript (Vanilla JS, ES6+) – Core scripting for handling user interactions, DOM manipulation, and logic execution.
React.js / Vue.js / Svelte – For building dynamic, interactive, and scalable UI components.
Tailwind CSS / Bootstrap – For faster UI styling.
2. Back-end (Data Handling & Processing)

Node.js (Express, Fastify, Nest.js) – Backend for handling APIs, authentication, and data processing.
Firebase / Supabase – Serverless backend options for authentication, database storage, and real-time updates.
MongoDB / PostgreSQL / SQLite – Database options for storing user data or extension configurations.
Redis – For caching and improving response time.
3. Chrome Extension-Specific APIs

Chrome Extension APIs – For interacting with browser tabs, storage, notifications, etc.
chrome.runtime – Manages extension lifecycle events.
chrome.storage – Stores data locally or in sync across devices.
chrome.tabs – Manages and interacts with browser tabs.
chrome.scripting – Injects and manages scripts dynamically (Manifest V3).
chrome.notifications – Sends notifications to users.
chrome.identity – Handles user authentication.