Browser Toolbar - JavaScript or Other Language?

[chitownclone]

I am working on a research project that involves tracking and analyzing how a research panel interacts on the web. As I am pretty unfarmilar with broswer technology....I was hoping someone could point me in the right direction.

1) What language(s) are Alexa's and Compete's toolbar development in? JavaScript, C++ or other?

2) What are the pros/cons between a JavaScript toolbar vs C++/other?

3) How detailed of web behavior data can I collect via toolbar? Is it similar to server log click-through transaction data collected by Google Analytics like referral URL, current URL, broswer settings, IP, etc?

4) If anyone knows...how much more data can be collected with an installed pc-based program vs broswer toolbar?

Thanks a ton for the info!!!

 

[BabyJeffy]

Toolbars are not written in Javascript. Even in Firefox the code that it is Javascript is wrapped in code that isn't javascript.

See if there are pre-existing research solutions available - using javascript to write a web browser toolbar is a world of waste.

Cheers,
Jeff

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[chitownclone]

Thanks for the heads up. So I guess the follow up quesetion would be....

What langauges are IE toolbars typically developed in?

 

[BillyRayPreachersSon]

They can be developed in any language that produces the right output format for IE. I'd go so far as to say it's normally probably C or C++, but as I've also said, it could be ANY language.

Hope this helps,
Dan



Coedit Limited - Delivering standards compliant, accessible web solutions

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[Diancecht]

A TCL example
A C++ example




Cheers,
Dian