• Source Code
  • Learn where you find the Zotero source code, how to use the issue tracker, and how to contribute code.
• Building Zotero
  • Learn how to build the Zotero client from scratch.
• Coding Guidelines
  • When you write code for the Zotero project, there are some naming and formatting preferences we ask you to follow.
• Client APIs
  • JavaScript API
    • The Zotero client's internal API
  • Connector HTTP Server
    • The Zotero Connector for Chrome, Firefox, and Safari talk to the HTTP server in the Zotero client.
  • Word Processor Integration API
    • Zotero word processor plugins are XPCOM components implementing a small set of interfaces. Development guidelines for these interfaces are described for LibreOffice, Word for Windows, and Word for Mac.
  • HTTP Citing Protocol
    • The Google Docs plugin implements the HTTP citing protocol, by performing a sequence of HTTP requests in a transaction. This is the preferred way to provide citing integration with Zotero for document processors.
  • 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 as well as HTTP messaging protocol is not available, the TCP/IP protocol can be used instead.

Plugins can be divided in two groups: XUL plugins, which closely integrate with the Zotero client and external plugins, which are more likely to rely on the Web API to access Zotero libraries. XUL plugins are built on the same technologies as legacy (pre-WebExtension) Firefox extensions.

Existing plugins can be very helpful in helping you develop your own 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 Web 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. Development guidelines for these interfaces are described for LibreOffice, Word for Windows, and Word for Mac.
• HTTP Citing Protocol
  • The Google Docs plugin implements the HTTP citing protocol, by performing a sequence of HTTP requests in a transaction. This is the preferred way to provide citing integration with Zotero for document processors.
• 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 as well as HTTP messaging protocol is not available, the TCP/IP protocol can be used instead.