• Source Code
  • Learn where you find the Zotero source code, how to use the issue tracker and how to contribute code.
• Coding Guidelines
  • When you write code for the Zotero project, there are some naming and formatting preferences we ask you to follow.
• Modifying Zotero Files
  • Most developers will want to work from a local copy of the Zotero codebase. However, it is also possible to make (small) code changes to your existing Zotero installation. This section will show you how.
• Connector HTTP Server
  • The Connector HTTP Server in the Zotero clients talks to the Chrome, Firefox, and Safari Connector extensions.
• Building the Zotero Standalone client

• Changes in Zotero 3.0
• Changes in Zotero 2.1

Plugins can be divided in two groups. XUL plugins for Firefox or Zotero Standalone that closely integrate with the Zotero client, and external plugins, which are more likely to rely on the Server API to access Zotero libraries.

Existing (open source) plugins can be very helpful in helping you develop you own plugins (see the list of Zotero plugins). If you plan to write a XUL plugin, you can start by taking a look at the Hello World Zotero plugin.

• JavaScript API
  • Whereas the Server API allows access to online Zotero libraries, the JavaScript API allows you to connect to the local Zotero client.
• Direct SQLite Database Access
  • The Zotero client stores most of its data in a SQLite database. Here you will find some details on accessing this database.
• Word Processor Integration API
  • Zotero word processor plugins are XPCOM components implementing a small set of interfaces. These interfaces are described in detail here.
• LibreOffice Plugin Wire Protocol
  • The LibreOffice plugin implements the word processor integration API by acting as a server for a simple TCP/IP protocol. If out-of-process communication mechanisms such as COM and AppleScript are unavailable, new word processor plugins can implement this protocol instead.

• Extension Files (very outdated, written for Zotero 1.0)
• Zotero Data Model (can this be merged with Direct SQLite Database Access?)
• Getting Started