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How do I use WebStorm for Chrome Extension Development?


I just bought WebStorm 5 and so far have been really enjoying its Inspection features. One hitch I've run in to when developing my Chrome extension is that it doesn't recognize the chrome variable:

Unresolved variable or type chrome

Is there a way I can add the chrome variable to the Inspector so that it can autocomplete as I type? I'm guessing I would need to add Chromium as an External Library but I'm unsure where to start.


Solution

  • First Time Setup

    1. Open the Settings dialog (File > Settings)

    2. Click Languages & Frameworks > Javascript > Libraries

    3. Click Download

    4. Make sure TypeScript community stubs is selected

    5. Select chrome from the list (you can find it quickly by just typing chrome)

    6. Click Download and Install

    7. Click OK to close the Settings dialog.


    Steps 2-6 illustrated below:

    Webstorm Screenshot


    In Subsequent Projects

    In any subsequent project, you just:

    1. Open the Settings dialog again (File > Settings)

    2. Click Languages & Frameworks > Javascript > Libraries again

    3. Check chrome-DefinitelyTyped

    4. Click OK to close the dialog.


    Steps 2-4 shown below:

    Webstorm screenshot