14 DAY TRIAL // Mozilla Labs has released the latest version of the upcoming extension, platform Jetpack 0.6. The latest iteration of the still-experimental API brings just a couple of new features, like the new preference system and the possibility to create and modify menus, but also a big number of bug fixes polishing up the existing ones. Jetpack is still a way off from replacing the current extension system, which it aims to do, but it's getting closer to that goal with every new version.
One of Firefox's biggest assets and a big reason for its popularity has been the extension ecosystem allowing users to customize their experience in almost any way imaginable. But, despite its popularity, the entry bar for developers wanting to create an extension for Firefox is set pretty high in the current implementation.
Despite having been launched just a little over a year ago and the extension support on it being at a very early stage, Google Chrome seems to have gotten something right, its system only requires developers to know standard web technologies like JavaScript. By using a relatively easy-to-learn scripting language that is known to a great deal of developers around the world, Google is ensuring that as many people as possible can create extensions for Chrome.
This is exactly what Mozilla is trying to do with Jetpack, namely replace the current system, which can be a little overwhelming for budding developers, with one based on web technologies making it easier for people to create extensions for Firefox. This also has the benefit of not having to restart the browser every time one installs a new extension.
Jetpack has been in the works for several months now and the progress has been steady. For now, the Jetpack project is still a separate extension for Firefox, but the aim is to have it become an integral part of the browser and replace the current system by the time Firefox 4.0 comes out.
The latest version comes with a brand-new Menu API allowing developers to easily create menus for their extensions both in the browser and also for the extensions themselves. Mozilla says the system is straightforward and very easy to implement. It also provides the Pixlr Image Editor Jetpack extension to see what's possible with the new API.
The second new API in Jetpack 0.6 is equally important for laying a good foundation for creating powerful extensions. The Settings API tries to make it as easy as possible to create preferences for an extension and automate much of the tasks. To this end, the API even creates the necessary UI for all of the settings entries one creates. This is just the first implementation and Mozilla plans to expand the API in the upcoming versions.
Jetpack 0.6 for Firefox is available for download here.