Frequently Asked Questions
- I want to write a server-side application. Do I have to learn also how to …
- I want to write a browser extension. Do I have to learn also how to write …
- In which languages can I write server-side applications?
- Won't a malicious server-side application be able to impersonate me and …
- Are shared applications specific to Firefox and other Gecko-based …
- Why did you choose Mozilla?
I want to write a server-side application. Do I have to learn also how to write browser extensions?
No.
I want to write a browser extension. Do I have to learn also how to write server-side applications?
No.
In which languages can I write server-side applications?
For pages, you can use any language understood by Mozilla: Javascript, HTML, XHTML, XUL, SVG, XML, CSS, ... For additional application logic, such as bots and AJAX handlers, you can use any language you feel comfortable with. In the case of bots, of course, having an XMPP library to build upon will help.
Won't a malicious server-side application be able to impersonate me and spam other users?
No. A remote application can only send messages to a single contact, the one the user has chosen to connect the application to. For a longer description of the access rules xmpp4moz enforces on remote applications, see Security in interaction with server-side applications.
That said, the mechanism xmpp4moz relies on is not mainstream, so if you have any worry that you think is not addressed, feel free to send in your comments!
Are shared applications specific to Firefox and other Gecko-based browsers?
No. You're free to write shared applications in any technology understood by browsers, including:
- standard, widely understood ones (e.g. XHTML, JavaScript);
- standard but not as widely understood ones (e.g. SVG, E4X, JavaScript 1.6 and higher);
- Gecko-specific ones (e.g. XUL).
It's entirely up to you whether to go for immediate convenience and power, or stick to the lowest common denominator so if ever an XMPP connector similar to xmpp4moz is released for another browser, you don't have to change your application.
Why did you choose Mozilla?
Mozilla is open, easy to extend, and it covers all application types (web and rich clients) on all major platforms.
If you'd like to write a port for other browsers, you're of course welcome, feel free to get in touch.
