C.2. XBL Element Set

Table of Contents
binding -- A single XBL binding
bindings -- An XBL document's root element
body -- Container for JavaScript code to be executed by an XBL method
children -- Insertion point for children of a bound element, or inherited binding
constructor -- Container for code to be executed when a binding is created
content -- Container for anonymous content to be inserted into a bound document
destructor -- Container for code to be executed when a binding is destroyed
element -- Insertion point for bound elements in anonymous content
field -- Holder property for simple data
getter -- Script access point for an element's property
handler -- Single event handler for an XBL element
handlers -- Container for event-handler elements
image -- An image resource in a binding
implementation -- Container for binding methods and properties
method -- Script function to be accessed on a binding object
parameter -- Single paramter declaration for a method
property -- Definition of a single binding object property
resources -- Container for list of resources that can be used by a binding
setter -- Change a binding property's value
stylesheet -- Captures an external stylesheet for use by anonymous content

The XBL 1.0 specification published on the mozilla.org web site appeared to be a beacon for application developers. Because the specification was available early in the development process, XBL seemed to be a tighter, more comprehensible language that was easier to learn and master than XUL. Since then, XBL development has strayed from the specification quite a bit, however, and now people consider XBL as opaque as XUL without good documentation that helps people learn and to create a roadmap for use based on continuing development.

This reference section tries to capture basic elements and attributes in XBL. Because it binds rather than creates content, XBL is smaller and inherently more formal than XUL. Nonetheless, as you will see, the language has quite a bit of range and complexity. Each entry in this section describes the XBL element and its purpose, its position in the hierarchy (i.e., which elements it contains and which elements it is contained by), and lists the element's attributes. Chapter 7 introduces XBL and shows how to use it. However, once you are familiar with the basics of XBL, you can consult this reference to find the XBL items you want.