TabFS – a browser extension that mounts the browser tabs as a filesystem (omar.website)

Article summary

TabFS is a browser extension that mounts browser tabs as a filesystem, allowing users to interact with their browser using existing file system tools. The extension supports Chrome, Firefox, and Safari on macOS and Linux. It enables users to automate tasks, such as closing tabs, saving text, and evaluating JavaScript, using scripts and command-line tools. The extension is still experimental and requires a manual installation process.

Main themes

• browser automation
• file system integration
• security vs power users
• browser extension development
• FUSE and native messaging
• Unix philosophy and file systems

What commenters say

• Some users praise the extension as a game-changer for automating web tasks, while others express frustration with the installation process and browser limitations.
• The requirement for extensions to be signed by Mozilla is seen as a security measure by some, but as an overreach of control by others.
• The use of FUSE and native messaging allows for a flexible and powerful interface between the browser and the file system, but may also introduce security risks.
• Some users are considering switching to Chromium-based browsers due to the limitations and restrictions imposed by Firefox.
• The concept of everything being a file is seen as both a simplification and a source of confusion, with some arguing that it can lead to obscure magic and complicated tools.
• The trade-off between security and power user functionality is a contentious issue, with some arguing that the benefits of security outweigh the costs, while others see it as a restriction on their freedom to use their browser as they see fit.