Firefox extension testing and developing - I'm confused

2
votes

when I'm writing extension for Google Chrome, I only create "manifest.json" file and JS file, which is my script. after installing , I can change anything in the code, I only refresh browser and I had changed version of extension.

1) Can I change some code after installing Firefox extension? Or should I reinstall it? Or should I need to reload it again - and how if its possible?

2) should I create install.rdf, chrome.manifest, *.xul files and so in by hand (whick folder structure and so on)? Or is there another simplest way to do this?

3) I don't understand, should i create extensions by "Add-on SDK" or write by hand with notepad? what is difference of them?

4) I'm writing simplest script, which invoke alert('hello world') when i open any page by browser. what is the best and fastest way to do this?

thanks a lot;

1
firefoxgoogle-chrome-extensionfirefox-addonfirefox-addon-sdk
addons.mozilla.org/en-US/developers/docs/sdk/latest/dev-guide/… and addons.mozilla.org/en-US/developers/docs/sdk/latest/dev-guide/… answers all of your questions. - Rob W
someone told me that I can create Firefox Addon project online. do you know where is this?... - user1454686
Search for "Add-on builder" or "Jetpack". The online SDK can be found at addons.mozilla.org/en-us/developers/builder. Setting up a local environment is not too difficult, and results in a more efficient workflow, so I recommend to do that instead (see links in my previous comments). - Rob W

1 Answers

1
votes

1) Can I change some code after installing Firefox extension? Or should I reinstall it? Or should I need to reload it again - and how if its possible?

Live updates are possible using <em:bootstrap>true</em:bootstrap> and bootstrap functions

2) should I create install.rdf, chrome.manifest, *.xul files and so in by hand (whick folder structure and so on)? Or is there another simplest way to do this?

Neither; modify an existing simple extension

3) I don't understand, should i create extensions by "Add-on SDK" or write by hand with notepad? what is difference of them?

Add-on SDK is an ; by hand is ; depends on you

4) I'm writing simplest script, which invoke alert('hello world') when i open any page by browser. what is the best and fastest way to do this?

hello_world.xpi (chrome / content / hello.xul):

<?xml version="1.0"?>
<?xml-stylesheet href="chrome://global/skin" type="text/css"?>

<window xmlns:html="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"
        xmlns="http://www.mozilla.org/keymaster/gatekeeper/there.is.only.xul">

  <caption label="Hello World"/>

</window>

In addition, extension development tools should help.

References