What's an Addon?
- extend mozilla applications
- use same tech as mozilla applications
- UI / script / components
What's an Addon?
Builtin Support
- standard and custom UI widgets
- overlay UI system
- version control
- upgrade mechanism
- platform APIs
- cross platform
Mozilla Platform
Structure of an Addon
- install metadata
- folders / manifests / content
- JAR
- XPI
show them the examples
Art of Merging (Part I)
- rules for overlays
- "where do you want this stuff?"
- using manifests
- "can you help me find this stuff?"
show them the docs
Mozilla is like an Onion
- it makes you cry?
- it smells?
- it has layers!
Mozilla Tech Layers
- XUL / JS / CSS
- XBL
- XPCOM
show them layers
Art of Merging (Part II)
- merging, overlays and layers
- DOMi and MXR are your friends
- XBL and anonymous nodes
- XPCOM and overriding contracts
introduce them to new friends
Work with the Flow
- DOM API
- DOM events and observer notifications
- XPCOM objects and services
show them examples of flow
Addon Autopsy
- find an interesting addon
- unzip it
- learn about it
show them the insides
Resources
- developer.mozilla.org - docs for Mozilla developers
- xul reference - xul, by the book
- xul tutorial - xul, by example
- building an extension - all the various parts
- addons.mozilla.org - lots of addons you can study
they are ready