Firefox/Projects/Jetpack Uplift Exploration/Notes

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Note: This assumes many things!

Uplift Scope

Included

• Runtime

Not Included

• Development environment (separate addon)
  • Code editor
  • Setting of development specific prefs (eg, javascript.options.showInConsole)
  • Firebug specific code
  • JSBridge
• Development documentation (to be put on MDC)
• Subscription UI (managed via new Extension Manager)
• Workarounds for older version of Firefox
• Personas specific code

Uplifted separately

• Slidebar (replace/improve current sidebar functionality)
• JS security code (eg, securable membrane)

Subscription / Installation / Management

• Management through Extension Manager API and UI
• Install & update comparable to current addons

Platform requirements

Browser UI

Areas where browser.xul/browser.js should provide simple APIs:

• Slidebars
• URLbar icons
• Site identity pane (Larry)
• Doorhanger notifications
• Content context menu
• Statusbar panels (Note: may be removed in Windows Theme revamp)

Extension Manager

• UI update
• API update

Javascript / Sandboxing

• JavaScript memory tracker
• Object.freeze() (bug 492844)

Jetpack requirements

• Complete security model
  • Stabilize code
  • Test for vulnerabilities
• Unit test coverage
• Inclusion of metadata in Jetpacks
  • Author
  • License
  • Homepage
• Remove use of jQuery in core (chrome) code
• Code style review
• Rework usage of iframes in statusbar
  • Most Jetpacks don't need full iframe functionality, which is expensive for how its used
  • Add API to add an image/button, with relevant event callbacks

Related Sprints

New Extension Manager API and UI

• https://wiki.mozilla.org/Firefox/Sprints/Extension_Manager_API
• https://wiki.mozilla.org/Extension_Manager:UI_Update
• Jetpacks would fit great as first class citizens here, alongside current addons. The new API will make that possible, and the UI will make it doable.

Windows Theme Revamp

• https://wiki.mozilla.org/Firefox/Sprints/Windows_Theme_Revamp
• This includes the possible/probable removal of the menubar and statusbar. These are the 2 most common areas for addons to extend. Even without these being removed, its clear that the browser window needs to provide more easy ways for things to be added to the UI, in areas that make sense.

Doorhanger notifications

• https://wiki.mozilla.org/Firefox/Namoroka/Doorhanger_notifications
• New UI to hook into.