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Show HN: I made a Chrome extension that can automate any website

(browserflow.app)
707 points namukang | 1 comments | 17 Nov 21 15:16 UTC | HN request time: 0.216s | source
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mountainboy ◴[17 Nov 21 21:37 UTC] No.29259162[source]▶
hmm, I installed extension, clicked on "Get Started", allowed permissions, and am then presented with a signup/signin page and no way to skip it.

I just want to run some macros locally. Not interested in "cloud" anything unless its on a server that I control.

Questions/comments:

1. Will local functionality work without signup?

2. If so, then please consider a "Get Started" flow that makes this clear and does not require signup before giving any instruction/usage.

replies(2): >>29259257 #>>29260020 #
1. mountainboy ◴[17 Nov 21 21:45 UTC] No.29259257[source]▶
hmm, I was going to experiment on this hackernews page, so I clicked on Extensions->BrowserFlow and it opened a window with a single button "Sign In". So it appears it does not work locally at all.

Question: Is there a technical reason for this, or you just want to insist that everyone create an account for some reason?

I do not see an obvious reason why macro recording and playback could not be performed purely locally. So I am skeptical that a server is needed, but always willing to learn and be astonished...

I would think that even if (big if) a server is needed, it could be done anonymously without need to collect email and create an account.

Anyway I am uninstalling the extension until such time as there is a local-only mode. too bad, from the demo it seems neat.