Re-compiling the source-code for Mozilla

thinking of taking the challenge...

[sidyadav]

I'm thinking of re-compiling the source-code of Mozilla, I'll try to fix some bugs in my version of Mozilla, improve the Mozilla design, and if I can - add some new minor features.

Just wanted some advice from anyone who has done this before, anyone? How hard is it? Did you succeed? How long did it take you?

I have some experiece with C(++) and by reading the
compiling manuals [mozilla.org] - I think it can be done.

I just thought I'd do something different for a while - take a break from web developing and go into softwares.
What version of Mozilla should I use?

I'll compile my version of Mozilla, change the help manuals, the "About" page and of course credit Mozilla for it. The version is going to be for Windows only - as its the OS I use.

I'll probably put it on a free software directory such as Simtel, and see if it succeeds!

Any advice whould be appreciated,
Sid

[robert adams]

go to mozilla .org and you can get all the info you want on what and how to do it.

luck,
robert

[sidyadav]

yep, I've downloaded the source-code of it (35MB) and also, downloaded the manual :)

Sid

[hartlandcat]

Even better... you could write to AOL and volunteer to continue development of the Netscape browser (by compiling future Mozilla builds and Netscape-ising it).

<offtopic>

Actually... that's just given me a new idea: Would someone be allowed to start something called "OpenNetscape" to continue the development of Netscape, in the same way that OpenBeOS started to continue the development of BeOS?

</offtopic>

But yes, compiling Mozilla yourself would be a great idea. When you say "what version of Mozilla should you use", do you mean version as in 1.4, 1.5 etc. (if so, you should use whatever's the latest version at the time), or Mozilla Suite vs. Mozilla Firebird?

[sidyadav]

thank for your reply, the reason I'm re-compilling Mozilla is to test me skills and if I can - fix some bugs in it.

By saying what version, I meant like 1.5 etc, whats the most stable version and what is the version which has the most less bugs? I've heard very slight rumors that some older version is better than the newest, but haven't got more information on it, so just wanted to make sure.

The problem with contacting AOL is I guarantee you they won't reply - thats the problem with very popular companies (except for Google and some others), they don't pay attention to strangers and think they are "amatuers".

Sid

[hartlandcat]

^ I was only joking about the Netscape thing.

[sidyadav]

ROFLMAO ;)

[hartlandcat]

Don't worry, it wasn't meant to be funny. Although seriously, I am wondering whether something called "OpenNetscape" would be allowed -- OpenBeOS is allowed, and they haven't been sued yet (a reference on their website suggests that they were perhaps slightly worried).

[robert adams]

By saying what version, I meant like 1.5 etc, whats the most stable version and what is the version which has the most less bugs? I've heard very slight rumors that some older version is better than the newest, but haven't got more information on it, so just wanted to make sure.

If you have downloaded the source code, then you have the latest build at the time you downloaded it. You can download daily builds from mozilla and work on them. Mozilla.org is a very informative site about all of this. You can join the group of people doing what you want to do and get lots of help and info from others.

luck,
robert

[g1smd]

The bugzilla site will give you a list of errors that people have found, and what is being done about them.