Chrome browser extension will break in Jan 2023 due to manifest version

[jeffbl]

We're using extension manifest v2. This gives an error when loading it unpacked manually, but should have no end-user implications for the rest of 2022. In January 2023, the extension will no longer operate, with a forced move to v3:

https://developer.chrome.com/docs/extensions/mv3/mv2-sunset/

From a brief look, @JRegimbal indicates this is a non-trivial change that will require significant development effort.

[jeffbl]

The largest implications are likely (hat tip @JRegimbal for taking a brief look):

1. https://developer.chrome.com/docs/extensions/mv3/migrating_to_service_workers/
2. Security changes

[jaydeepsingh25]

I also spent some time exploring this and i found out that a major dependency for v3 migration is https://github.com/parcel-bundler/parcel/issues/6079. We use parcel bundler to build our extension, and we may need to wait till parcel formally supports v3 manifest. The latest available version(2.3.2) of parcel does not support it yet.

[jeffbl]

Whether or not we know where later funding will come from, we should have a more solid plan/estimate for this work, even if it can't be done within the IGNIT timeframe.

[JRegimbal]

As an update, it seems that parcel now supports building to v3 of the manifest based on this merged PR.

[jeffbl]

@jaydeepsingh25 unless something still pending, please close. Thanks!