office-addin-manifest vs office-addin-cli vs office-addin-debugging vs @microsoft/office-js
Office Add-in Development Packages Comparison
1 Year
office-addin-manifestoffice-addin-clioffice-addin-debugging@microsoft/office-js
What's Office Add-in Development Packages?

These packages are essential tools for developing Office Add-ins, which enhance the functionality of Microsoft Office applications like Word, Excel, and Outlook. They provide the necessary APIs, command-line tools, debugging capabilities, and manifest management required to create, test, and deploy add-ins effectively. Each package serves a specific purpose in the development workflow, ensuring that developers can build robust and efficient add-ins that integrate seamlessly with Office applications.

Package Weekly Downloads Trend
Github Stars Ranking
Stat Detail
Package
Downloads
Stars
Size
Issues
Publish
License
office-addin-manifest106,560166101 kB31a month agoMIT
office-addin-cli53,34716613.6 kB31a month agoMIT
office-addin-debugging41,65616683.6 kB31a month agoMIT
@microsoft/office-js19,612-88.6 MB-13 days agoLICENSE
Feature Comparison: office-addin-manifest vs office-addin-cli vs office-addin-debugging vs @microsoft/office-js

API Access

  • office-addin-manifest:

    Does not provide API access; it is used to define the add-in's metadata and configuration, which is essential for the add-in to function correctly within Office applications.

  • office-addin-cli:

    Does not provide API access; instead, it focuses on project management and deployment tasks for Office Add-ins. It is a tool for developers to streamline their workflow rather than a library for interacting with Office applications.

  • office-addin-debugging:

    No direct API access; it is focused on debugging capabilities to help developers identify issues in their add-in code while using the Office JavaScript API.

  • @microsoft/office-js:

    Provides comprehensive access to the Office JavaScript API, allowing developers to interact with Office applications programmatically. This includes manipulating document content, accessing user data, and responding to application events, enabling rich functionality within add-ins.

Development Workflow

  • office-addin-manifest:

    Plays a critical role in the development workflow by managing the configuration and permissions of the add-in, which is necessary for successful deployment.

  • office-addin-cli:

    Streamlines the development workflow by providing commands for creating, building, and running add-ins, making it easier to manage the development lifecycle.

  • office-addin-debugging:

    Enhances the development workflow by providing tools to debug and troubleshoot add-ins, ensuring that developers can quickly resolve issues and improve their code quality.

  • @microsoft/office-js:

    Essential for building the core functionality of Office Add-ins, enabling developers to implement features that interact with Office applications directly.

Debugging Support

  • office-addin-manifest:

    No debugging support; it is purely for managing the add-in's configuration and does not assist in the debugging process.

  • office-addin-cli:

    No debugging support; it focuses on project management tasks rather than debugging capabilities.

  • office-addin-debugging:

    Offers specialized tools and commands for debugging Office Add-ins, making it easier to identify and resolve issues during development.

  • @microsoft/office-js:

    Does not provide debugging support directly; developers must rely on browser developer tools and other methods to debug their code.

Manifest Management

  • office-addin-manifest:

    Essential for defining the add-in's metadata, including its name, description, permissions, and how it integrates with Office applications.

  • office-addin-cli:

    Provides commands to create and manage the add-in manifest, facilitating the setup and configuration of the add-in's properties and permissions.

  • office-addin-debugging:

    Does not manage manifests; it is focused on debugging tools and capabilities for the add-in's code.

  • @microsoft/office-js:

    Does not manage manifests; it is focused on providing the API for add-in functionality.

Installation and Setup

  • office-addin-manifest:

    Does not require installation; it is a file that must be included in the add-in project to define its configuration.

  • office-addin-cli:

    Easily installed via npm, it provides a command-line interface to set up new Office Add-in projects quickly.

  • office-addin-debugging:

    Requires installation as part of the development environment to enable debugging capabilities for Office Add-ins.

  • @microsoft/office-js:

    Requires installation as a dependency in your project to access the Office JavaScript API for add-in development.

How to Choose: office-addin-manifest vs office-addin-cli vs office-addin-debugging vs @microsoft/office-js
  • office-addin-manifest:

    Use this package if you need to create or modify the manifest file for your Office Add-in. The manifest is crucial as it defines how your add-in integrates with Office applications, including permissions, requirements, and the add-in's UI.

  • office-addin-cli:

    Select this package if you are looking for a command-line interface to create, manage, and deploy Office Add-ins. It simplifies the development process by providing commands for scaffolding new projects, building, and running add-ins locally.

  • office-addin-debugging:

    Opt for this package if you require tools for debugging your Office Add-ins. It offers features to help troubleshoot issues during development, making it easier to identify and fix bugs in your add-in's code.

  • @microsoft/office-js:

    Choose this package if you need to access the Office JavaScript API to interact with Office applications. It provides the core functionality required to build add-ins that can manipulate document content, handle events, and utilize Office-specific features.