news.volyx.in

Show HN: I made a Chrome extension that can automate any website (browserflow.app)

707 points by namuorg · 1768 days ago · 209 comments on HN

Article summary

The article introduces a Chrome extension called Browserflow that allows users to automate tasks on websites without requiring coding knowledge. The extension provides a visual, no-code editor and can automate tasks such as web scraping, data enrichment, and file downloading. It also offers cloud automation, scheduling, and integration with Google Sheets. The extension aims to make web automation accessible to everyone.

Main themes

  • web automation
  • browser extension
  • no-code editor
  • cloud automation
  • web scraping
  • anti-bot measures
  • residential IPs
  • marketplace for workflows
  • headless browsers
  • ease of use and reliability
  • abuse and exploitation concerns
  • complex site handling
  • maintenance and updates
  • cloud automation benefits and limitations
  • extension security and cookie handling
  • user interface and user experience
  • comparison to existing tools
  • potential applications and use cases
  • future development and feature requests
  • technical details and implementation
  • user support and feedback
  • business and marketing strategies
  • competitor analysis and differentiation

What commenters say

  • The extension's ease of use and reliability are major differentiators from existing tools in the category.
  • Some users appreciate the extension's simplicity and potential for automating repetitive tasks, while others are concerned about the potential for abuse or exploitation.
  • The use of residential IPs for evading bot detection is seen as a valuable feature by some, but others question its effectiveness or necessity.
  • The extension's ability to handle complex sites and anti-bot measures is a key advantage, but some users are concerned about the potential for sites to block or limit its functionality.
  • A marketplace for sharing and discovering workflows could be a useful addition to the extension, but maintaining flows as sites change is a significant challenge.
  • The extension's support for headless browsers and cloud automation is seen as a major benefit, but some users are concerned about the limitations and potential drawbacks of these features.