OverbiteWX
Re-enables the Gopher protocol in Firefox 56 and above, allowing you to enter Gopher URLs and click on Gopher links. Because WebExtensions does not yet have a TCP sockets API, this version redirects your requests to the Floodgap Public Gopher Proxy.
What is OverbiteWX?
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Summary
OverbiteWX is a successor to our previous addon OverbiteFF, allowing access to Gopher URLs and Gopher protocol links, but using WebExtensions-compatible APIs.
OverbiteWX currently cannot directly connect to Gopher servers because WebExtensions does not implement a TCP sockets API (see bug 1247628). In this version, your requests are sent to the Floodgap Public Gopher Proxy, which converts the Gopher menu and documents to HTML and HTTP. Future versions will allow a choice of proxy, and eventually restore direct connections to Gopher servers when the API is finally available from Mozilla. Thanks for your patience and indulgence while we wait for WebExtensions to become more useful and complete for the next generation of Firefox addons.
NEW: If you would like to try an experimental Gopher add-on allowing direct connection to Gopher servers using a native component, try our experimental companion add-on, OverbiteNX. OverbiteNX requires a separate open-source component be installed on your computer. OverbiteWX will only use supported WebExtensions APIs.
To set up OverbiteWX:
- Install the addon.
- Enter any Gopher URL or click any Gopher link starting with
gopher://
- Firefox will pop up a window saying you must select an application to view that link. OverbiteWX will be in the list. Select it, check the box to remember this choice if you desire (strongly recommended, or you will get this window every time), and click Open Link.
- The Gopher site you have selected will be rendered by the Floodgap Gopher proxy.
Thanks for using OverbiteWX!
User reviews
User reviews summary
Pros
- Works flawlessly with the latest Firefox version
- Brings back the gopher protocol to Firefox
- Only way to access the Gopher section of the internet
Cons
- Dependency on Firefox WebExtensions API
Most mentioned
- Gopher protocol
- Firefox
- WebExtensions API
Recent reviews
Safety
Risk impact
OverbiteWX may not be safe to use and it requires some risky permissions. Exercise caution when installing this add-on. Review carefully before installing.
Risk likelihood
OverbiteWX is probably trust-worthy. Prefer other publishers if available. Exercise caution when installing this add-on.