From Zero to 800+ Users: My Journey Launching a Chrome Extension

I've always been a fan of learning by doing. But in the past, my "doing" usually involved following tutorials and courses and then building projects. This time, I wanted a real challenge. So, I decided to dive headfirst into creating a Chrome extension - with zero prior knowledge or experience.

My First Foray: A YouTube Bookmarking Tool

To get my feet wet with the Chrome Extension API, I started with a simple YouTube bookmarking tool. It was basic, but it gave me valuable hands-on experience and the confidence to tackle something more ambitious.

The Idea: Lock Your History

The idea for my next extension, "Lock Your History," came from a personal need - I wanted a way to password-protect my browsing history. It seemed like a useful feature that others might appreciate too.

Launch and Learn (and Debug!)

I launched the first version of "Lock Your History" on the Chrome Web Store, and to my surprise, people actually started downloading it! This early version was rough around the edges, with a less-than-stellar UI and a few bugs. But seeing people use my creation ignited a sense of responsibility in me. I was determined to improve it.

Version 2.0 and Beyond

I buckled down, fixed the bugs, and redesigned the UI for a better user experience. With the release of version 2, the extension's popularity skyrocketed, reaching over 800 users!

Key Takeaways from My Chrome Extension Adventure

This whole experience was a whirlwind of learning and growth. Here are my key takeaways:

• Embrace the "figure-it-out" mindset: Don't be afraid to dive into the documentation and learn by doing.
• Real-world users bring real-world responsibility: Seeing people use your product adds a whole new level of motivation to improve.
• Small projects can lead to big opportunities: The skills I gained from building "Lock Your History" allowed me to participate in a Google hackathon where I built another extension called "Kode". You can check that out here.

This journey wasn't without its challenges, but the rewards were immense. I gained valuable skills, a deeper understanding of the Chrome Extension API, and the confidence to tackle new and exciting projects. If you're thinking about building a Chrome extension, I encourage you to take the leap!