30 in 30: Day 23 - Google Chrome: Apps vs Extensions

Day 23 in the 30 in 30 series is going to take a look at the difference between an app and an extension in Google Chrome.  If you are like me, at first they can be a little confusing.  In short (to quote chromebook.mobi), Apps are maps and Extensions extend the functionality of Google Chrome.  Apps are maps (URL's) to interactive web pages.  If you want to think about it in basic terms, they are no more than a bookmark.  Just an easy and convenient way (through the Apps Launcher) to get to another website.  Sometimes they are fully integrated with Google, and other times not.  But all are web based.  Meaning that you will have to be on the Internet for these products to work.  And on the other side of the isle are Google Chrome Extensions.  These tools extend the functionality of your Chrome experience.  Think of extensions as a mini software program that increases the functions of the websites that you already use.  These usually include an icon that installs to the right side of the omnibox (web address bar) on the Chrome web browser.  For the video tutorial on the difference between Apps vs Extensions, click here.

For more information on the difference between apps vs extensions, visit the 2010 Chrome Developer article.