Creating Extensions

Now you can just skip this tutorial and paste your code in Makeroid IDE!

Tools you will need

This guide assumes you to be a Windows user.

• App Inventor Sources

• Java JDK

• Apache Ant

• Git (or GitHub Desktop)

• Java IDE/Text Editor (VS Code, IntelliJ IDEA, Notepad++, Atom are recommended)

Step 1: Setting up Java JDK

• Install JDK

Be sure not to install it in a directory whose path contains spaces

• Set the Environmental Variables:

  • Set JAVA_HOME to where you installed Java JDK.

    For example: C:\Program Files\Java\jdk1.8.0_131

  • Edit PATH and add those:

    %JAVA_HOME%/bin, %JAVA_HOME%/jre/bin, C:\ProgramData\Oracle\Java\javapath

• Check Java installation: Execute java -version

    C:\Users\Pavitra>java -version
    java version "1.8.0_131"
    Java(TM) SE Runtime Environment (build 1.8.0_131-b11)
    Java HotSpot(TM) 64-Bit Server VM (build 25.131-b11, mixed mode)

Step 2: Setting up Apache Ant

• Unzip the folder and move it to a place where it is safe. For example: C:\apache-ant-1.10.1

Be sure not to install it in a directory whose path contains spaces

• Set the Environmental Variables:

  • Set ANT_HOME to where you have the Ant folder placed. For example: C:\Ant\apache-ant-1.10.1

  • Edit Path and add %ANT_HOME%\bin

  • Edit ClassPath and add %ANT_HOME%\bin

• Check Ant installation:

    C:\Users\Pavitra>ant -version
    Apache Ant(TM) version 1.10.1 compiled on February 2 2017

Step 3: Setting up Git

• Set it up as written in this tutorial

• Check Git installation:

    C:\Users\Pavitra>git version
    git version 2.11.0.windows.3

Step 4: App Inventor Sources

• Unzip the folder and move it to a place where it is safe

Be sure not to place it in a directory whose path contains spaces

Step 5: Building an Extension

• Save the above code to appinventor-sources/appinventor/components/src/com/makeroid/as SimpleMaths.java

• Go back to the appinventor folder.

• Open Command Prompt on that directory.

• Type ant extensions and click on enter.

Wait for the extension to build...

If it says: BUILD SUCCESSFUL, then you just created an extension. :-)

But if it says: BUILD FAILED, then you did something wrong and have to look over again. :-(

Step 6: Sharing Extensions

Your extension file (.aix file) should appear in the directory:

appinventor-sources/appinventor/components/build/extensions

Now, you can easily share the aix files with anyone and can import it into Makeroid seemlessly.

For more information about extensions, read here

Keep making more and more and more extensions and help our community to build the best app.

Share your extensions with our community and become an "Extension Developer".

If you want more help, feel free to ask us on Makeroid Community.