Mozilla and their Firefox web browser have finally put their foot down.
They’ll follow in the footsteps of another popular web browser, Google Chrome, and put an end to plug-ins. According to Google, they stopped supporting plugins based on the Netscape Plugin Application Programming Interface (NPAPI) structure on September 1st, 2015 for their Chrome browser. Now, Mozilla Firefox will do the same as they intend to stop supporting NPAPI plugins by the end of 2016, except for Adobe Flash.
Why Is Firefox Following in on Google’s Decision?
NPAPI plugins were originally intended to enrich the web browsing experience. Unfortunately, these plugins end up being more of a liability than anything. Slower playback on web browsers is one of the major problems these tools bring. However, the biggest concern with these plugins was the security issues.
One major example is Unity, which had an issue with one of their gaming plugins. According to a Unity researcher, there was a gaming plugin that was installed over 200 million PC’s that contained a flaw to allow hackers to get very precious information such as web mail and social networking accounts. Mozilla, because of these drawbacks has decided to pull the plug, no pun intended, on NPAPI plugins, that is except for Adobe Flash.
The Only Exception? Adobe Flash
Adobe Flash is almost impossible to get rid of considering how much support it gets. However, even with its popularity Mozilla is deciding to give Adobe a chance. In a blog posted by Mozilla’s manager of engineering Benjamin Smedberg, it is explained why Mozilla is sticking with Flash. Smedberg had this to say about Flash: “Because Adobe Flash is still a common part of the Web experience for most users, we will continue to support Flash within Firefox as an exception to the general plugin policy. Mozilla and Adobe will continue to collaborate to bring improvements to the Flash experience on Firefox, including on stability and performance, features and security architecture.” (Smedberg) Adobe Flash is still a work in progress, but Mozilla sounds determined to make Flash work on their web browser.
What this means for Firefox Users
This should be good news for all Mozilla Firefox users. This decision by Mozilla to end support for NPAPI plugins will only keep their browser more secure and keep the browser up to speed. Now many users will not even notice a change considering most probably do not even use plugins. Do not be confused with Firefox’s add-ons, much like Chrome’s extensions, that are not going anywhere and are not the problem that Mozilla intends to fix. This decision should go in affect by the end of 2016, so all Firefox users should be excited when that day comes.
