Chrome Platform

Apps

Learn with Codelab

The goal of this codelab is to get you building Chrome Apps fast. Once you've completed this codelab, you will have a simple Todo app.

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Apps

Samples

Browse official Chrome Apps samples in the chrome-apps-samples GitHub repository. The README.md lists each sample's APIs and provides a link to download in the Chrome Web Store.

Apps

Reference

Chrome Apps have access to Chrome APIs not available to traditional web sites. With these APIs, you can build powerful apps that interact with network and hardware devices, media tools, and much more.

• Chrome Platform APIs: lists APIs available in each Chrome channel
• Manifest File Format: lists supported manifest fields
• Disabled Web Features: lists disabled open web platform features

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Apps

Develop in Cloud

Chrome Apps leverage the Google Cloud Platform to store and access data. They work offline by default and can sync back to the cloud once connectivity is restored. Use the syncFileSystem API to save and synchronize caching data in Google Drive.

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Apps

Network and Hardware APIs

Chrome Apps can interact with low-level system services. Using the network and hardware APIs, they can:

• Act as network clients for TCP and UDP connections.
• Communicate with usb devices.
• Read and write to devices connected to serial ports.
• Connect to bluetooth devices.

Extensions

Learn Basics

Extensions are small software programs that can modify and enhance the functionality of the Chrome browser. Write extensions using web technologies: HTML, JavaScript, and CSS.

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Extensions

Getting Started Tutorial

This tutorial walks you through the construction of a simple browser action extension. Clicking the browser action UI element opens a pop-up window.

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Extensions

Samples

Browse official Chrome Extensions samples; each sample lists API methods and links to source files. Filter by keyword or API:

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Extensions

Reference

Extensions are essentially web pages; they can use all APIs that the browser provides to web pages. Using Extensions APIs, they can also interact programmatically with browser features such as bookmarks and tabs. Read the reference docs to find out more:

• What's New: lists what's new in stable Chrome versions
• Chrome Platform APIs: lists APIs available in each Chrome channel
• Manifest File Format: describes supported manifest fields
• Permissions: describes permission warnings

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Extensions

Themes

A theme is a special kind of extension that changes the way the browser looks. Themes are packaged like regular extensions, but they don't contain JavaScript or HTML code. Distribute your themes in the Chrome Web Store.

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Native Client

Tutorial

This multi-part tutorial explains how to get started developing applications with Native Client.

Part one shows how to build and run a simple web application using Portable Native Client (PNaCl).

Part two shows how to convert the finished PNaCl web application to use the Native Client SDK build system and common JavaScript files.

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Native Client

SDK

Follow these steps to download and install the Native Client SDK:

1. Download the SDK update utility and unzip.
2. See which versions are available.
3. Run naclsdk with the “update” command to download particular bundles that are available.

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Native Client

Development Cycle

End-to-end native client development workflow:

• Build Native Client modules.
• Run Native Client applications during development.
• Debug, monitor, and measure Native Client application performance.

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Native Client

Coding Your Application

Dive deeper into Native Client development. Learn:

• How Native Client applications are structured
• Which classes and functions to implement in your Native Client module for Chrome to load, initialize, and run it
• How to use the messaging system to communicate between the JavaScript code and the Native Client module's C or C++code

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Native Client

Pepper API

The Pepper API lets Native Client modules communicate with the hosting browser and access system-level functions in a safe and portable way. Pepper has both a C API and a C++ API.

These APIs are generally divided into two parts:

• Functions implemented in the browser that you call from your Native Client module
• Functions the browser invokes so you must implement them in your Native Client module

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Store

What Is the Chrome Web Store?

The Chrome Web Store lets you publish your Chrome Apps, Extensions, and Themes where Chrome users can easily find them.

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Store

Tutorial: Getting Started

Follow these simple steps to publish your app, extension, or theme to the Chrome Web Store:

1. Create manifest file.
2. Get image assets.
3. Test app.
4. Zip app.
5. Upload your app to store.

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Store

Branding

Follow the Chrome Web Store branding guidelines for supplying images and promotional assets.

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Store

Publishing

When your app, extension, or theme is finished (if not before), upload it with the Developer Dashboard. Uploading generates an app ID, which you may need to complete your application code.

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Store

Best Practices

When publishing in the store, follow these best practices:

• Support Google Accounts.
• Keep ex-user data for 30 days.
• Cache license data.
• Create a compelling store listing.

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