Create a new Firefox add-on: XUL or Jetpack?

If you are planning to start developing a new Firefox add-on today, would you still use XUL / JS or would you start using Jetpack, the new add-in infrastructure?

The way XUL add-ons will continue to exist in Firefox 4, but Jetpack is clearly creating steam, and I think this will be the only way to create add-ons in the future.

Is it time to start searching / switching to Jetpack?

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3 answers

JetPack and XUL are not mutually exclusive. JetPack is a set of APIs that you can send with an add-on that has been verified by Mozilla and is guaranteed to work. I suggest you start with JetPack, and if you need to do something more powerful, you can start adding XUL and other JS files to accomplish what you need. JetPack is designed to be simpler, but you can also enter the more frightening world of extension development with no problems.

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I don't know Jetpack yet, but two years ago I encoded a big extension for Firefox using XUL , and it was really really painful.

I think Jetpack should be better and easier, and worth a try.

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It depends on the size and volume of your supplement. If you think this is pretty simple, I'll start with XUL and switch to the framework when you hit the walls and say that β€œthere must be a better way!”

I have not used Jetpack, but I agree with others here that XUL is not always pleasant. It is amazing how often the documentation lacks some, obviously, key information. Jetpack can smooth this out for you. Also, you could help improve the documentation. :)

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