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firefoxfirefox-addonpackagingxpi

How do I get a specific error for corrupt Firefox extensions?


Background:

I'm working on an extension for Firefox and obviously made a mistake somewhere. This is my first extension, so I wouldn't be surprised if the problem ends up being something simple.

The issue is though that I can't even get a decent error from Firefox to hunt down the problem.

The Problem

When I attempt to install my extension by dragging the XPI file into the Awesome/Location bar, I get an error message stating "This addon could not be installed because it appears to be corrupt." This is not a terribly useful error for someone trying to develop and extension.

Does anyone know of a way to get a more verbose error message? Googling around I wasn't able to find anything myself.


Solution

  • Firefox has an error console under "Tools">"Web Developer">"Error Console" (ctrl+shift+j for me).

    Open up the error console, there will probably be a lot of warnings already listed. Clear all of these and then try to do something, i.e. install your extension. The console will update automatically.