Despite Mozilla Firefox OS being a disaster for the Mozilla Foundation, other projects are succeeding and gaining popularity, making the Firefox web browser increasingly used not only by GNU/Linux users but also by macOS and Windows 10 users. A couple of years ago, Mozilla launched the TestPilot program , which integrates with Mozilla Firefox to create better features and add-ons for the Mozilla browser. TestPilot has since grown to a large user base, and its applications are becoming increasingly popular. Therefore, we'll explain exactly what TestPilot is and how to install it on your web browser , regardless of your GNU/Linux distribution or operating system.
What is Test Pilot
Test Pilot is an application or software that installs in Mozilla Firefox and is designed to create a testing ground for software or add-ons that will soon be released for the Mozilla browser or that are experimental features . This software may become a native feature of Mozilla Firefox or an add-on; it all depends on the development team. In any case, thanks to Test Pilot, it will be stable and thoroughly tested software that we will be able to use freely in our web browser in the not-too-distant future.
We can say that Test Pilot is a testing ground that gathers information about the software we've installed. Therefore, Test Pilot isn't for all users, but rather for expert users, developers, and, of course, those who don't mind sharing data with Mozilla and want to collaborate with the Mozilla Community. The essence of Test Pilot is to test software or features under development and send the collected information to the developer or development team , or simply to decide whether the feature is worthwhile. This data is processed by Mozilla to ensure anonymity for the development team , but such a process exists, so we must be aware that information will be shared and could potentially be compromised.
This modern testing environment is interesting because it will improve the development of new features and add-ons, but unfortunately it is still only available in English. Therefore, the Hispanic community will have to wait a little longer or simply develop in English to be able to use this software in our development . This is not necessary for the testing phase, that is, for users who test the software, since we can have our web browser in Spanish and install TestPilot without any problems.
How to install Test Pilot on our Gnu / linux
Installing Test Pilot in Mozilla Firefox is very simple. Since its launch, Test Pilot has evolved considerably, becoming a browser add-on. However, some things are still essential, such as a Firefox account. Therefore, to use this add-on, you must have an active Firefox account and be using it in your web browser . Once you've done this, go to the official Test Pilot website where you'll find the Test Pilot add-on, as well as various experimental programs and features that you can use with Test Pilot. In this case, scroll down to install Test Pilot.
A message will appear at the top of your web browser asking if you want to add this add-on . Click OK, and the Test Pilot feature will be installed. In the upper left corner, next to the preferences button, you'll find a spaceship icon. Clicking on it will reveal the various add-ons you can use for testing.
How Test Pilot works in Firefox
TestPilot is a testing environment, but technically it's a container or sandbox that runs the added function or plugin on a virtual setup. On its own, it doesn't provide any information or add new features to our web browser, but it is the necessary foundation for installing the plugins and features that are currently under development.
Therefore, to view and test Tracking Protection, a popular extension, we first need to have Test Pilot installed and then add the Tracking Protection add-on. That's why the first thing the official Test Pilot website suggests is installing the add-on alongside Test Pilot. Once installed, the web browser will send information about its operation to the development team . All of this is done anonymously, but it is our information.
What accessories can we find compatible with Test Pilot
The requirements for developers to be part of the Test Pilot platform are numerous. In other words, you can't just create a plugin with three lines of code and upload it. There needs to be a mature development process behind it to be accepted into Test Pilot, and only after several tests and development phases is it accepted . This means we have few plugins available, but they are quite interesting. The most well-known of these is called Tracking Protection, a privacy-focused plugin that emerged just as Facebook's privacy issues were being exposed.
Color is another popular add-on, ideal for designers and theme developers. Containers is an add-on designed to create user profiles , similar to those used in other web browsers like Chrome. Send , Mozilla's file-sharing application, is also present in Test Pilot, in this case as an add-on for sharing and sending files—an interesting add-on that will undoubtedly become a feature of Mozilla Firefox.
Notes and Side View are two new productivity-focused add-ons that allow you to manage multiple tabs simultaneously or take notes while browsing. These two interesting features are generating a lot of buzz due to their smooth operation and productivity benefits.
These are some of the add-ons that can be found on the official Test Pilot website, but it is not a closed or obsolete list ; it is a list that will gradually expand and is available to everyone, both old and new add-ons.
It is recommended to use Test Pilot
This is probably the million-dollar question. Personally, I think that if we have a production computer, a company computer, or something similar, using TestPilot is counterproductive because there might be an error or problem that ruins an important task we're working on. But if it's our personal computer that we use for browsing and that's it, TestPilot is very interesting and a great way to participate in a Free Software community . It can also significantly improve our personal browsing experience thanks to add-ons like SideView or Notes. However, we must be aware at all times that our information will be shared, and some of it will even be public.