What is a browser plug-in?

A browser plug-in is best understood as an add-on that enhances web browsing capabilities. When integrated into a web browser, it expands the functionality of the browser itself beyond its built-in features. For example, plug-ins can enable the browser to support additional formats, enhance multimedia playback, improve user interface features, or add tools for security and privacy. This customization allows users to personalize their browsing experience according to their needs, such as installing a plug-in that blocks ads or one that allows viewing specific video formats that the browser might not support natively.

The concept distinguishes a plug-in from other options: malware is detrimental to the user's experience and is specifically designed to cause harm or exploit security vulnerabilities, distinct from the supportive role of a plug-in. Managing internet connections pertains to more underlying network frameworks and does not fit the description of a browser enhancement. Lastly, a standalone application for browsing refers to complete web browsers themselves, which offer full functionality without the need for external additions. Together, these comparisons help clarify why the role of a browser plug-in is specifically to enhance and expand existing web browser capabilities.