Build Documentation
Table of contents
The Mozilla build system, like the rest of the Mozilla codebase, is cross-platform. It uses traditional unix-style autoconf and make tools to build the various applications (even on non-unix operating systems).
Because the Mozilla codebase builds many different applications and has many options, it is complex to use and learn. Please read these instructions carefully before attempting a build.
These build pages are for the projects which use the autoconf-based build system: Firefox, Thunderbird, Mozilla Suite / SeaMonkey, XULRunner, Sunbird, standalone Composer, standalone XPCOM, and standalone XPConnect.
For build information on other mozilla projects, visit their project or build page: Camino, NSPR, Spidermonkey, NSS, and Directory SDK for C.
If you are having build problems, please post questions to the newsgroup mozilla.dev.builds (access via Google Groups). Make your post as precise as possible, including details about your operating system, your mozconfig/configure flags, and the precise error you are experiencing.
Getting started
Build prerequisites
Before you try to build, make sure you have the correct tools, and have configured these tools correctly.
Get the source
- Download Mozilla Source Code
- Source code for releases is available for download via FTP/HTTP.
- Mozilla Source Code via CVS
- Those doing active development on Firefox 3/Mozilla 1.9 (and earlier) can check out the latest source using CVS. This is the preferred method if you plan to provide patches and fix bugs, as it lets you get up-to-the-minute changes and merge them with your own.
- Mozilla Source Code via Mercurial
- Those doing active development on Firefox 3.1/Mozilla 1.9.1 can check out the latest source using Mercurial. This is the preferred method if you plan to provide patches and fix bugs, as it lets you get up-to-the-minute changes and merge them with your own.
- Comm-central Source Code via Mercurial
- Those doing active development on Thunderbird 3.0/SeaMonkey 2.0/Firefox 3.1/Mozilla 1.9.1 can check out the latest source using Mercurial. This method includes all the code for the applications mentioned, so you can work on Firefox 3.1 development, and still build Thunderbird or SeaMonkey as well.
- Browse Sources on the Web
- Mozilla sources are available for online browsing at the Mozilla Cross-Reference (MXR).
Configuring build options
Running configure and make with the default options will not give you a good working build. You should use a .mozconfig file to obtain a reasonable release build. Please read Configuring Build Options carefully before building.
Build and install
The Mozilla build system uses GNU make and configure scripts to drive the build. Please follow the build and installation instructions carefully.
Random FAQs and Developer Documentation
- Mozilla Build FAQ
- Adding Files to the Build
- Adding Components
- Creating a Release Tag
- Cross-Compiling Mozilla
- Compiling 32-bit Firefox on a Linux 64-bit OS
- Mozilla Release Checklist
- Building a Mozilla Distribution
- Notes on how mozilla.org does release builds
- Package Filename Convention
- Building with Profile-Guided Optimization
- Building only SpiderMonkey (under development)
Hacking the Build System
- How Mozilla's build system works
- Build Glossary (old glossary)
- Build and Register Chrome JARs with JAR Manifests
Page last modified 07:30, 22 Jul 2008 by Standard8