Editing WoW:Creating AddOn dependencies

== What is a Dependent AddOn? ==

A dependent [[AddOn]] is one that relies on another AddOn or code library for it's full functionality. Generally, an AddOn author should take into account that the user might not have the AddOn/Library required, notify the user with a single error, and suppress all other errors that might occur.


== How do I designate a Dependent AddOn? ==

In order for a user to know your AddOn is dependent, you must document this in the .toc file:

Example Standalone AddOn .toc file:

<pre>##Interface: 1300
##Title: myAddOn
##Description: Does stuff</pre>

Example Dependent AddOn .toc file:

<pre>##Interface: 1300
##Title: myAddOn
##Description: Does stuff
##Dependencies: ParentAddOn, OtherAddOn</pre>

== What if other AddOns only improve my AddOn? ==

If an AddOn's code is only used to somehow improve the usability/functionality of your AddOn, but is not ''required'' for it to work, you can use the "OptionalDeps:" tag in your .toc file to have those AddOns loaded prior to your own:

<pre>##Interface: 1300
##Title: myAddOn
##Description: Does stuff
##Dependencies: ParentAddOn, OtherAddOn
##OptionalDeps: MakeMyAddOnCooler</pre>

Keep in mind that you must handle any errors that may occur if the user does not have the [[optionally dependent AddOn]].

[[Category:HOWTOs|Create AddOn Dependencies]]
[[Category:AddOns|Create AddOn Dependencies]]