Glide, an extensible, keyboard-focused web browser

A software developer got tired of Firefox browser extensions breaking on certain websites, so they built their own browser from scratch. Glide, a Firefox fork that lets users customize everything through TypeScript configuration files, promises to solve the fundamental security restrictions that hobble traditional browser extensions.

The creator was frustrated that their favorite Firefox extension, tridactyl, would stop working on sites like addons.mozilla.org due to browser security constraints. While these restrictions protect users from malicious extensions, they also limit what power users can accomplish.

Glide takes a radically different approach. Since users write their own configuration files, there's no need for security restrictions. The browser supports custom key mappings, can spawn external processes, and lets users modify the browser interface itself.

The browser borrows concepts from the vim text editor, including different modes for typing versus navigating. Users can operate web pages entirely through keyboard shortcuts, with features like hint mode that overlays clickable labels on links and buttons.

Built on Firefox's foundation, Glide maintains compatibility with existing extensions and workflows. Currently available for macOS and Linux, the browser remains in early alpha testing after six months of development.