Question

Differentiate between add-ons and plug-ins in a web browser.

Hint:

An add-on adds a feature to the browser itself, such as an ad blocker. A plug-in lets the browser show special content, such as a PDF.

Answer 1

Step 1: Understand what is asked:
The question asks for the difference between two kinds of browser extras, add-ons and plug-ins. Give the meaning of each, and then two or three clear points of difference.

Step 2: What an add-on is:
An add-on is a small program that adds a new feature to the browser or changes how the browser looks or works.
It becomes a part of the browser itself.
Examples are an ad blocker, a password manager, a spell checker, a theme or a new toolbar.

Step 3: What a plug-in is:
A plug-in is a piece of software that helps the browser show or run a special kind of content on a web page.
The browser cannot handle that content on its own.
Examples are a PDF viewer, a Flash player, a Java applet runner and a media player.

Step 4: Compare the two:
An add-on extends the browser's own features, while a plug-in extends the kinds of web content the browser can open.
An add-on works inside the browser and mostly acts on the browser. A plug-in works on the page content and may need separate software.
A user can see and manage add-ons in the browser's extension or add-on menu.

Final Answer:
Add-ons add or change browser features (for example an ad blocker). Plug-ins let the browser handle special web content (for example a PDF viewer).