10 Best Google Chrome Extensions for Web Developers

Haider Ali

Google Chrome extensions

Amplify your productivity with these best Google Chrome Extensions, handpicked by our team of web developers in Dubai. They are guaranteed to boost your coding efficiency and productivity and streamline complex development tasks.

Whether you’re an aspiring developer or a veteran, these Google Chrome extensions have something for every developer.

Before we dig deep into exploring the top Chrome extensions, let’s explore why these extensions have become a necessity for developers.

Why Do Most Developers Prefer Google Chrome Extensions?

Most web developers prefer the Chrome extension for several compelling reasons, as it provides essential functionalities and tools that enhance productivity, streamline tasks, and simplify the development workflow. Thanks to comprehensive documentation and well-defined API that leverage standard web technologies like CSS, HTML, and JavaScript, allowing web developers to utilize their existing skills.

Since its release, the Chrome browser has seen exponential adoption and growth in its user base.

In April 2023, according to StatCounter browser market share, Chrome had 66.13% of the global browser market share. It is safe to say that most developers prefer using the Google Chrome extension, which is one of the best browsers to consider for web development.

Best Google Chrome Extensions for Developers

Wappalyzer Chrome Extension

Wappalyzer is a popular Google Chrome extension that helps users identify the technologies on any website. With Wappalyzer, you can uncover specific details on the tech stack, including front-end frameworks, content management systems, eCommerce platforms, analytics tools, and more. This tool provides valuable insights, helping users understand a site’s underlying structure, analyze competitor tools, and make informed choices on technology for their projects.

Pros:

  • Quickly identifies a website’s tech stack.
  • Supports an extensive range of web technologies.
  • User-friendly interface.
  • Offers insights valuable to both developers and marketers.

Cons:

  • Free version includes limited features.
  • Occasionally misses or misidentifies some technologies.
  • May cause browser performance issues with extended use.

Modheader Chrome Extension

Modheader is another powerful Chrome extension that allows web developers to easily modify HTTP headers and lettering and edit, add, and delete request headers sent by their Google browser. This extension is mainly helpful for developers involved in testing, debugging, or troubleshooting web applications; it allows control over authentication cookies and tokens. Modheader offers flexibility for testing different environments, making it simple to manage browser requests.

Pros: 

  • Simple to edit, add, or delete HTTP headers
  • Best for testing, debugging, or troubleshooting
  • Supports multiple profiles for different configurations
  • Saves developer’s time by simplifying complex header changes.

Cons:

  • Limited features.
  • Difficult to understand for beginners.
  • Changes cannot be made if they are not reset.

BrowserStack Google Extension

BrowserStack is a powerful tool for website developers and testers, enabling users to test applications and websites across different browsers and devices directly from their Google Chrome browser. This extension simplifies the process of cross-browser testing, offering instant access to real devices without the need for complex setups.

Pros: 

  • Easy integration
  • Automated screenshots
  • Wide browser coverage
  • Real device testing

Cons: 

  • Limited free version
  • Performance variability
  • Subscription costs

Fake Filler Google Extension

Fake Filler is the best Chrome extension designed to help web developers fill online forms quickly and efficiently. Generating random data like email addresses, names, and phone numbers allows users to test online forms without the need to input accurate personal information. This extension is helpful for developers and testers looking to protect their privacy while browsing.

Pros: 

  • Customizable data
  • Time-saving
  • Easy to use
  • Useful for developers

Cons: 

  • Browser compatibility
  • Limited functionality

Loom Google Extension 

Loom is a screen recording tool that enables users to create and share video recordings directly with their team or clients in minutes. This Google extension is best for quick video creation, whether for presentations, tutorials, or feedback sessions, making communication more engaging and personal. With the help of a Loom extension, developers can record their screen, audio, and webcam simultaneously, offering an extensive way to convey information.

Pros:

  • Instant sharing
  • Cloud storage
  • Integration capabilities
  • User-friendly interface

Cons: 

  • Internet dependency
  • Limited free plan

Web Developer Checklist 

Web developer’s checklist is the best tool for web developers and designers alike. This tool provides an extensive list of best practices and essential checks to ensure developers that websites are well-optimized and compliant with modern standards. This Google extension streamlines the development process by guiding users through a list of tasks related to accessibility, performance, Search engine optimization, and more, helping to improve the overall quality of web projects.

Pros:

  • Time efficiency
  • Easy integration
  • User-friendly interface
  • Structured guidance

Cons:

  • Limited customization
  • Static nature
  • Browser limitations

Requestly Google Extension 

Requestly is the best Google Chrome extension for modifying headers, switching hosts, and delaying or throttling network requests. This tool is handy for web developers and testers who want to test API calls, simulate different server responses, or change request headers. With the help of Requestly, web developers can streamline their workflow and troubleshoot problems efficiently, making it an invaluable tool for a web development company in Dubai that focuses on client projects that require precise debugging and testing.

Pros: 

  • Multiple use cases
  • Real-time changes
  • Flexible modifications

Cons: 

  • Limited to chrome
  • Performance impact
  • Security concerns

Wave Google Extension 

Wave is a powerful Google Chrome extension designed to help website designers and developers evaluate the accessibility of their web pages. It offers visual accessibility to content and tells you if your web pages are hard to navigate or incorrectly structured.

Pros:

  • User-friendly interface
  • Visual feedback
  • Real-time testing

Cons:

  • Performance impact
  • Limited features in the free version

Lighthouse Google Extension

Lighthouse is the best Chrome extension to run tests against your web pages and generate a complete performance profile. This tool also helps developers improve the performance, accessibility, and SEO of their websites. By running audits of web pages, the Lighthouse offers remarkable insights and recommendations for optimizations. This extension is incredibly best for digital agencies and marketing firms looking to deliver an excellent user experience.

However, to run detailed website audit, and implement technical fixes it is recommended to hire a professional SEO agency, as they possess all the premium tools, manpower, and workforce required to perform stringent SEO tests and tasks that could eventually help the website rank on top in the SERPs.

Pros 

  • Actionable insights
  • Open source
  • User-friendly interface
  • Detailed audits

Cons

  • Complexity for beginners
  • Limited real-world simulation

VisBug Google Extension 

VisBug is a user-friendly Chrome extension that empowers web designers and developers & turns any web page into an interactive artboard. With the help of these tools, users can make changes to images, text, and layouts in real-time, making them valuable assets for Web development agencies in Dubai. VisBug improves the workflow of professional teams by offering web development services, allowing them to iterate and prototype on design quickly without needing complex code.

Pros 

  • Real-time feedback
  • Customizable features
  • Free to use

Cons

  • Limited functionality
  • Browser dependency

Final Word

From debugging complex lines of code to optimizing user interface and fortifying security, the right set of Google Chrome extensions can significantly boost and streamline your development process.

With these powerful Chrome extensions at your fingertips, you will be able to streamline workflows, improve productivity, and tackle complex development tasks with greater accuracy and efficiency.

However, there are instances when even the most seasoned developers encounter challengers demanding advanced troubleshooting and code refactoring. This is where a professional and experienced web design company in Dubai comes in. Possessing specialized tools, knowledge, and skills, they can diagnose, refactor, and debug some of the most complex issues in a matter of a few minutes.

FAQs

Q1. Which is the best Google Chrome extension for web developers? 

Some of the best Chrome extensions for web developers are wappalyzer to show website performance, VisBuyg for visual editing, and Wave for accessibility checks. These extensions help streamline the development process and enhance web quality.

Q2. How can Chrome extensions improve website development? 

Chrome extension can improve web development by offering tools for debugging, testing, and optimizing websites. They provide real-time feedback, streamline workflows, and help ensure compliance with best practices.

Q3. Are Google Chrome extensions free to use for web development? 

Yes, there are limited free versions available for many Chrome extensions for web development. However, there are various Google Chrome Extensions that offer several features free of cost, while the premium options unlock advanced functionality for more comprehensive needs.