WoW:Getting started with writing AddOns: Difference between revisions

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The idea of picking up any programming language can be daunting, and when you have to tie your program into someone else's APIs it can be nearly overwhelming. Creating your own addon will be a difficult process for novice coders, but the end satisfaction is worth it.  
The idea of picking up any programming language can be daunting, and when you have to tie your program into someone else's APIs it can be nearly overwhelming. Creating your own addon will be a difficult process for novice coders, but the end satisfaction is worth it.  


=== First Step ===
== First Steps ==
Before anything else you need to get the Custom UI tools from the Blizzard site. This will give you access to all of their XML files (can't change something without knowing what it's called). They will also give you two tutorials to get you started. You can download this here: http://us.blizzard.com/support/article.xml?articleId=21466
 
=== Plan Your Addon ===
Figure out what you want your addon to do. Don't try and get into the details too much, just decide what you want the overall goal to be. I usually start by asking myself these questions:
Figure out what you want your addon to do. Don't try and get into the details too much, just decide what you want the overall goal to be. I usually start by asking myself these questions:
:*Whats my end goal?
:*What's my end goal?
:*What information will I need from WoW for my addon to work?
:*What information will I need from WoW for my addon to work?
:*Will I need to make custom frames?
:*Will I need to make custom frames?
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=== Get Your Information: The WoW API ===
=== Get Your Information: The WoW API ===
Getting information from WoW is critical to making your addon function. The [[World of Warcraft API]] has a list of functions that will give you that information. These are your building blocks, and if you don't have a block you need (or thought you needed) then you'll have to find another way to get information for your addon. Don't be discouraged, as with any programming language there are many different ways to accomplish your goal, so keep looking until you find a way.
Getting information from WoW is critical to making your addon function. The [[World of Warcraft API]] has a list of functions that will give you that information. These are your building blocks, and if you don't have a block you need (or thought you needed) then you'll have to find another way to get information for your addon. Don't be discouraged, as with any programming language there are many different ways to accomplish your goal, so keep looking until you find a way.
You should also download the World of Warcraft Interface AddOn Kit from Blizzard's site. This will allow you to view all of the XML and Lua files that make the game's default UI work, as well as provide you with two introductory tutorials. You can download the AddOn Kit here:
* http://us.blizzard.com/support/article.xml?articleId=21466


== Editing Tools ==
== Editing Tools ==