A Webpack plugin that automatically reloads browser extensions during development across all browsers.
Webpack Extension Reloader is a Webpack plugin designed specifically for browser extension developers. It automatically reloads extensions during development whenever code changes are compiled, eliminating the need for manual reloading and speeding up the iteration process.
Developers building browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or other WebExtensions-compatible browsers who use Webpack as their build tool.
It provides a seamless, automatic reloading experience similar to webpack-hot-middleware but tailored for browser extensions, saving developers time and reducing friction during development.
A upgrade from 🔥webpack-chrome-extension-reloader🔥, now on all browsers
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Triggers extension reload automatically after Webpack compilation, saving time on manual reloads as demonstrated in the sample GIF and described in the solution section.
Works across all major browsers supporting WebExtensions, ensuring compatibility with Chrome, Firefox, and Edge without extra configuration.
Supports arrays for multiple content scripts and extension pages, allowing complex setups as shown in the 'Multiple Content Script and Extension Page support' section.
Can be used directly via npx for quick setup without full plugin integration, offering flexibility as highlighted in the CLI usage examples.
The README explicitly states it doesn't allow Hot Module Replacement yet, meaning state is lost on reload and developers miss out on modern HMR benefits.
It only works with Webpack, making it incompatible with other bundlers or projects that avoid build tools, limiting its ecosystem reach.
Requires careful setup of entries or manifest, and must run in development mode with watch enabled, as noted in the usage notes, which can be error-prone for beginners.