Module Layer

• Layer file
• This is the central configuration file, in which virtually everything is defined that a module adds to the NetBeans Platform. Partly, it can be seen as the interface between the module and the NetBeans Platform, describing declaratively the integration of the module into the NetBeans Platform.
• Declare:
• manifest file
• OpenIDE-Module-Layer: com/galileo/netbeans/module/layer.xml

• Order of Entries
• The order in which the entries of the layer file are read (and hence shown in the menu bar) is defined by a position attribute.
• Instance Files
• Files of the type .instance in the System filesystem describe objects of which instances can be created. The filename typically describes the full class name of a Java object.
• Shadow Files
• .shadow files are a kind of link or reference to an .instance file. They are used mainly when singleton instances of objects, as with actions, are used.
• Settings Files
• .settings files are an extracted version of .instance files in the layer file. Information on the type of class and how an instance is created from this class – i.e., information on what these attributes can determine in an .instance file – is defined in a separated XML file.
• Creating and Using Your Own Contents
• Your module may use folders, and attributes from the layer file in order to provide extension points to other modules.