Working with NetBeans Modules

A NetBeans module is a set of Java classes written to interact with the NetBeans APIs, for extending the IDE or for creating your own application on the NetBeans Platform.

The following table outlines the development cycle of NetBeans modules, from creation to distribution.
Number one
Set up
the module
  1. Begin creating your module by using the module project template.
  2. Optionally, if the module will consist of a collection of module projects, use the module suite project template. For example, the collection may make use of external JAR files. If this is the case, put the external JAR files on the module's classpath by using one or more library wrapper module project templates.

Number three
Develop
the module
  1. Right-click a module project in the Projects window and choose New > Other.
  2. In the New File wizard, choose the best NetBeans API template for your programming needs.
  3. After using a wizard, double-click the file that you would like to edit. Use the Source Editor to edit the file.
  4. Refer to the

Number 3
Build
the module
  • Choose Build > Build Main Project or right-click any project and choose Build Project.

Number 4
Try out
the module
  • Right-click a module project node and choose Install/Reload in Target Platform or Install/Reload in Development IDE to try out the module.

Number 5
Distribute
the module
  1. Right-click the module project and choose Create NBM.

    An NBM file is created.

  2. Distribute the NBM file for installation via the Plugins manager.


Legal Notices