Question about not re-distributing XPI files

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__NM64__
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Question about not re-distributing XPI files

Unread post by __NM64__ » 2017-10-02, 08:49

So I'm very clearly aware that we're not supposed to re-distribute XPI and/or JAR files and the like on this forum, and I understand that part just fine.

But what about only distributing a patch for a given XPI / JAR file? You know, like an IPS, UPS, BPS, etc... patch file that is commonly used for mods of older console games.

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Re: Question about not re-distributing XPI files

Unread post by Moonchild » 2017-10-02, 12:11

The main reason why we don't want to have hacked XPIs on the forum is that it's impossible to know if it's done properly, and even has the risk of malware being distributed that way. Supplying patches to binary archives is just as opaque if not more so, so it falls in the same category.

The proper way to go about this is just one:
If you want to change an extension, check the license if it's allowed, and then fork it. Once done, contact someone from the add-ons team to have the forked extension hosted on addons.palemoon.org.

Forking is as simple as making the edited version of the XPI, making it source available and differences clear, and offering the result up with a different name and icon. You may want to use a repository like on GitHub to have all your changes and source immediately in the clear, but it's not necessarily required. Just make sure to stick to the license of the original extension.
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