NG Extension Manager v2.3.5 - Release Notes

[canvrs]

NG Extension Manager v2.3.5 - The Big Update!

This release, version 2.3.5, is a significant update for NG Extension Manager, bringing a host of new features, improvements, and general enhancements. Please be aware that this version might have some compatibility issues, especially with older browser versions, and may contain some bugs as it's still under development. For example, wiki entries for plugins and developer guidelines for creating NG Extension Manager plugins are still in progress and will be added later. We greatly appreciate your feedback, so please report any bugs or share your thoughts and discussions with us!

Here's a breakdown of what's new:

[ Popup ]

• Improved Design and Layout: Enjoy a refreshed and more user-friendly popup interface.
• Groups Feature: You can now organize your extensions into different groups! To create a group, simply click on the input field, enter your desired group name, and click the "+" (plus) button. You can also delete and rename groups at any time. Once created, you can assign extensions to specific groups for better organization. Instead of "All Groups" in the select menu, choose your created group to view only the extensions within it.
• Extension Names Displayed Again: The names of your extensions are now visible once more.
• Improved Performance & Accessibility: We've made enhancements to make the popup faster and more accessible for everyone.

[ Details ]

• Extension Logo: The logo of the extension is now displayed.
• Extension ID: The extension's unique ID is now shown with a convenient copy button next to it.
• Extension Type and Installation Method: You can now see the type of extension (e.g., Extension, Theme, or App) and how it was installed (e.g., from the Chrome Web Store or uploaded by you, which is referred to as "development").
• Store Link: A direct link to the Chrome Web Store page of the selected extension is now available, allowing you to easily view ratings and reviews.
• "Uninstall" Modal: We've replaced the browser's default alert box with a more user-friendly and modern-looking "Uninstall" modal.
• Notification System (Toaster): Errors and success messages will now appear as non-intrusive notifications that slide in from the bottom.
• Permissions: We've added several permissions to provide you with more transparency. While the descriptions are now shorter and easier to understand, NG Extension Manager now also displays Host Access permissions along with a risk factor (low, medium, high) to help you assess their potential impact.
• Updated Icons: We've refreshed various icons throughout the interface.
• Layout and Design Overhaul: The entire details page has received a layout and design refresh.
• IN CONSIDERATION: We are exploring the possibility of adding a search function for Permissions & Host Access Permissions in the future.

[ Updates ]

• Layout and Design Overhaul: The updates page has also been redesigned for a better user experience.
• Improved Version Detection: We've enhanced the system that identifies older and newer extension versions.
• Improved User-Friendliness and Accessibility: We've made general improvements to make the updates process smoother and more accessible.
• Simplified Updates Page: The updates page is now more straightforward.
• No More Old Changelogs: Only the changelog for the latest version will be displayed if you haven't installed it yet. If you already have the newest version, no changelog will be shown.
• Download Button for New Versions: When a changelog is displayed for a new available version, a "Download" button will also appear for quick installation.
• Persistent "All Releases" Button: You can always access the "All Releases" button to downgrade to older versions or reinstall the current one if you encounter issues. We always recommend using the latest version.

[ Plugins ]

This is a brand new section where users can download plugins (or add-ons). These plugins are developed by us and other developers worldwide. Currently, only plugins from our team are available as we are still finalizing the guidelines and plans for third-party developers. This means that initially, only we will offer plugins, and later, we will allow other developers to contribute their plugins to NG Extension Manager, subject to our approval.

The Plugins page includes features such as:

• Plugin Search Function: Easily find the plugins you're looking for.
• Refresh Plugin List: Update the list to see the latest available plugins.
• Caching: We've implemented caching to minimize API requests and improve performance.
• Links: Quick access links to report bugs, join the community forum, and check for NG Extension Manager updates (not for the plugins themselves!).
• Performance, User-Friendliness, and Accessibility: As always, these aspects are a priority.
• And More!

[ Offline Mode ]

This feature is still under development. If you don't like the current design, don't worry! We are still working on it, and what you see is just a concept for this version. Rest assured that it will be refined. We've made both functionality and design changes (as mentioned, the design is a work in progress).

[ General ]

• GitHub Wiki: We've created a comprehensive Wiki on GitHub to guide both users and developers through the world of NG Extension Manager, explaining each feature step-by-step.
• Updated README: The README file in the NG Extension Manager's GitHub repository has been revamped and improved.
• CONTRIBUTING Guidelines: We've published a CONTRIBUTING guide (file) for those interested in contributing to the project.
• Various Repository Improvements: Numerous other improvements and changes have been made within the NG Extension Manager repository.
• Font Change: We've changed the main font to "Wonder Unit Sans" from "Inter." However, "Inter" is still included in the CSS for broader compatibility and might be revisited in the future.

[ Removed Features ]

• Link.js System: We've removed the entire Link.js system to avoid repeatedly asking for your permission to visit external websites. We might offer this functionality as a plugin in the future (either by us or other developers).
• Updates Page Cleanup: We've removed older version changelogs, the modal for viewing and finding older and newer versions, and more from the Updates page.
• Extension Verification: The Extension Verification feature has been removed and is now offered as a plugin.
• Similar "External" Functionalities: Other functionalities similar to Link.js have also been removed.

Full Changelog: v2.3.4...v2.3.5

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This discussion was created from the release NG Extension Manager v2.3.5 - Release Notes.