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Add-on Builder | Add-on Builder and Add-on SDK are tools that let developers make great add-ons using HTML, JavaScript and CSS. Developers have the choice of working in an online hosted environment with the Add-on Builder or locally through a command line interface with the Add-on SDK. | ||
Add-on Builder and Add-on SDK are two products in the Jetpack project; with a goal to make building add-ons even easier for developers. | Add-on Builder and Add-on SDK are two products in the Jetpack project; with a goal to make building add-ons even easier for developers. | ||
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== General == | == General == | ||
'''What is the Add-on Builder | '''What is the Add-on Builder? ''' | ||
The Add-on Builder | The Add-on Builder is an online development environment which you can use to make add-ons with your web browser. It provides a code editor, a file browser, and tools to help test and package your add-on right in the browser. | ||
'''What is the Add-on SDK? ''' | '''What is the Add-on SDK? ''' | ||
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Jetpack SDK is the old name for the Add-on SDK. | Jetpack SDK is the old name for the Add-on SDK. | ||
'''What are the benefits of using the Add-on SDK and Add-on Builder | '''What are the benefits of using the Add-on SDK and Add-on Builder? ''' | ||
These tools lets you build Firefox add-ons using common web technologies like HTML, JavaScript and CSS, and it includes tools to make it easy to create, test, and package add-ons. | These tools lets you build Firefox add-ons using common web technologies like HTML, JavaScript and CSS, and it includes tools to make it easy to create, test, and package add-ons. | ||
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Developers and users alike also will not have to worry about add-on compatibility with new versions of Firefox. | Developers and users alike also will not have to worry about add-on compatibility with new versions of Firefox. | ||
'''Can I do everything with the Add-on SDK and Add-on Builder | '''Can I do everything with the Add-on SDK and Add-on Builder that I could with a XUL-based add-on? Should I rewrite my XUL-based add-on now? ''' | ||
You can do nearly everything with an Add-on SDK and Add-on Builder based add-on that you can do with a XUL-based add-on, including: | You can do nearly everything with an Add-on SDK and Add-on Builder based add-on that you can do with a XUL-based add-on, including: | ||
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So if you're a XUL add-on developer, an early adopter, and are willing to participate in the development process, then now is a great time to try out the Add-on SDK and Add-on Builder and help us figure out the right set of features to enable you to make the transition. | So if you're a XUL add-on developer, an early adopter, and are willing to participate in the development process, then now is a great time to try out the Add-on SDK and Add-on Builder and help us figure out the right set of features to enable you to make the transition. | ||
'''What do I need to know to write an add-on using the Add-on Builder | '''What do I need to know to write an add-on using the Add-on Builder and Add-on SDK? ''' | ||
You'll develop add-ons using JavaScript, and you'll interact with web content via the DOM. You'll use HTML and CSS to structure and style your own user interface components. | You'll develop add-ons using JavaScript, and you'll interact with web content via the DOM. You'll use HTML and CSS to structure and style your own user interface components. | ||
'''What are the system requirements for the Add-on Builder | '''What are the system requirements for the Add-on Builder? ''' | ||
You need a current version of Firefox, and an Internet connection. | You need a current version of Firefox, and an Internet connection. | ||
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The [https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/developers/docs/sdk/latest/packages/addon-kit/docs/simple-prefs.html <code>simple-prefs</code>] module offers basic support for preferences. | The [https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/developers/docs/sdk/latest/packages/addon-kit/docs/simple-prefs.html <code>simple-prefs</code>] module offers basic support for preferences. | ||
'''Why can't I create Firefox toolbars using the Add-on SDK / Add-on Builder | '''Why can't I create Firefox toolbars using the Add-on SDK / Add-on Builder? ''' | ||
In the past, we haven't provided much guidance to add-on developers about how best to integrate their user interfaces into Firefox, and the add-ons manager did not make it easy for users to access an add-on's preferences. The result of this has been a proliferation of toolbars and menu items, which can lead to a cluttered and confusing user experience. | In the past, we haven't provided much guidance to add-on developers about how best to integrate their user interfaces into Firefox, and the add-ons manager did not make it easy for users to access an add-on's preferences. The result of this has been a proliferation of toolbars and menu items, which can lead to a cluttered and confusing user experience. | ||
Therefore in the Add-on SDK and Add-on Builder | Therefore in the Add-on SDK and Add-on Builder, the preferred way for add-ons to expose a permanent user interface is through the [https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/developers/docs/sdk/latest/packages/addon-kit/docs/widget.html <code>widget</code>] API, which will ensure that the user interfaces for all add-ons default to a standard location (the add-on bar) where users will expect to see them. | ||
'''Can I add items to Firefox's menus in my add-on? ''' | '''Can I add items to Firefox's menus in my add-on? ''' | ||