How to avoid Firefox add-on updates "mess" - at least until V10 stable comes

[safeguy]

Seeing that there may be Firefox users (with add-ons) affected by the new rapid release system Mozilla is using, I just thought that maybe it's good time to refresh our memory and share the common tricks to keep our sanity in shape. Well, at least until V10 stable (release update channel) comes...

Mozilla Wiki: Features/Add-ons/Add-ons Default to Compatible
Softpedia: Add-ons in Firefox 10 Aurora Are Now All Compatible by Default
Reddit: Add-ons Compatible By Default

Personally, here's how I avoid the add-on "mess":

1) Stick to the most popular and widely used extensions whose developers have the reputation of keeping things up-to-date...and consider dumping the rest.

Here's a few as an example:

http://adblockplus.org/en/
http://noscript.net/
http://www.mywot.com/

2) If you've got a favorite add-on that you need but the developer has been inactive or the add-on hasn't been updated for a long time, consider looking for an alternative add-on (with active developer and updates) as a replacement.

Here's a personal example:

I used to be a fan of Tab Kit add-on but it's development/updates has "stalled" for quite a long time. I refused to update Firefox initially because of this but eventually gave up and went looking for a replacement. Tried a few related Tab-management add-ons but nothing quite beats the experience I got from Tab Kit. Nevertheless, I found Tree Style Tab and have been using it since. It's nowhere as versatile as Tab Kit but it has the essential features I need. Now that Tab Kit 2nd Edition has surfaced, I am looking into it too.

3) Use Add-on Compatibility Reporter

Although it states "Recommended for alpha and beta users only!", those using Firefox on the release (stable) update channel may want to consider installing this, especially more so if they are using so-called "incompatible" add-ons.

4) For those who are willing to take the "risk" of Firefox malfunction or crash in exchange for working add-ons, consider disabling add-ons/extensions compatibility check (best to do this before you update). Here's how to:

a) Create new boolean entry(entries):

extensions.checkCompatibility.<version>

e.g.
extensions.checkCompatibility.8.0
extensions.checkCompatibility.9.0
extensions.checkCompatibility.nightly

b) Set them to false.

About every 6 weeks or so (or whenever a new build with the version number incremented is released), make a new entry.

More details here: http://kb.mozillazine.org/Extensions.checkCompatibility

5) With steps 3) and 4), this is hardly needed but I am going to list it anyway. Instead of downloading the add-on through Firefox, use an alternative browser to download the add-on (.xpi file). If you do not wish to use a different browser, you can follow the method listed by Raymond here (view source code). Once downloaded, open the xpi file in winrar, then open the install.rdf file in notepad and change the "maxversion" line to the Firefox version no. you are currently using. It does not work all the time but it's one of those last resort tricks.

[Raymond]

I prefer to use Add-on Compatibility Reporter because it's so much easier.

[BigGuy]

Thank you for the tutorial safeguy. I personally don't use many addons, so keeping them up to date isn't a big problem.

[sujay]

My favorite addons Adblock plus, Lastpass, WOT, Readability, Omnibar, Downthemall, Flashgot, TabMixplus and Easy Youtube video downloader still didn't gave me any problem...

[GamePlanner]

I avoid lots of addons as it bloat down browser. A few necessary one are installed of which i take care amnually.Btw, Intresting read.