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Programming Firefox
This is your guide to building Internet applications and
user interfaces with the Mozilla component framework, which
is best known for the Firefox web browser and Thunderbird
email client. Programming Firefox demonstrates how to use
the XML User Interface Language (XUL) with open source tools
in the framework's Cross-Platform
Component (XPCOM) library
to develop a variety of projects, such as commercial web
applications and Firefox extensions.
This book serves as both a programmer's reference and an
in-depth tutorial, so not only do you get a comprehensive
look at XUL's capabilities--from simple interface design to
complex, multitier applications with real-time
operations--but you also learn how to build a complete
working application with XUL. If you're coming from a Java
or .NET environment, you'll be amazed at how quickly
large-scale applications can be constructed with XPCOM and
XUL.
Topics in Programming Firefox include:
An overview of Firefox technology
An introduction to the graphical elements that compose a XUL
application
Firefox development tools and the process used to design and
build applications
Managing an application with multiple content areas
Introduction to Resource Description Files, and how the
Firefox interface renders RDF
Manipulating XHTML with JavaScript
Displaying documents using the Scalable Vector Graphics
standard and HTML Canvas
The XML Binding Language and interface overlays to extend
Firefox
Implementing the next-generation forms interface through
XForms
Programming Firefox is ideal for the designer or developer
charged with delivering innovative standards-based Internet
applications, whether they're web server applications or
Internet-enabled desktop applications. It's not just a
how-to book, but a what-if exploration that encourages you
to push the envelope of the Internet experience.
Preface
1. Firefox and Friends
Mozilla to Firefox and Thunderbird
XML Technologies
At the Top of It All: The DOM
Mixing Document Types
Getting Started
2. XUL Basics
File Structure
XUL Widgets
Introducing Input Controls
More Complex Containers
Managing the Display Space
Content Display Panels
Miscellaneous Widgets
Helper Features
Mozilla Style Declarations
Summary
3. Coding and Testing for the Real World
Defining a Target Application
Adding Logic
Simple Authentication Script
When Things Don't Work
Summary
4. Configuring for Chrome and a Server
Chrome Overview
Running as a Local Installation
XUL-to-Server Communications
Serving XUL Files
Summary
5. Multiframe XUL
Dividing the Display Area
Editing Documents
Adding Dialog Windows
Summary
6. Trees, Templates, and Datasources
Trees
Modifying Datasources
Summary
7. DOM Manipulation and Input/Output
A Design Review
Browser Elements
Moving Text Between Frames
Exporting Note Document Content
Adding Interactivity to DOM Elements
Summary
8. Graphics
A Sample Graphing Project
XHTML Review
SVG Overview
Data-to-Graphics Transformation
HTML Canvas
Summary
9. Extending the Interface
Overlay Files
Adding Logic
XBL
HTTP Request Widget
Summary
10. XForms
Basic XForms Structure
An Example Transfer to the Server
XForms Validation Features
XForms Events and Actions
User Interaction and Dynamic Presentation
What to Do When Things Go Wrong
Summary
11. Installation and Deployment
Deploying Standalone Applications
Deploying Themes and Skins
Adding Locales
Deploying Extensions
Deploying the Extension
What to Do When Things Go Wrong
Summary
12. XUL Widget Reference
Browser Package Files
Developer Reference
Glossary:. XUL Widgets: Attributes, Properties, and Methods
Index
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