System and method for extending an application with user-defined content

Abstract

Methods and systems that provide the tools and flexibility to build views that meet a user's needs by eliminating arbitrary limitations that are imposed by entrenched resource concepts that currently exist.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method for adding a new component to a canvas definition, the method comprising:
 determining a type of the new component;   determining an input and an output type of the new component;   creating a definition of the new component;   creating a component factory; and   connecting to a state of an application using one or more provided hooks.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the new component is a parcel component. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the new component is initially not a parcel component, and the method comprises creating the parcel component. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the new component is not a parcel component, and the method further comprises:
 creating a component library; and   adding the component library to a component runtime.   
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the new component is authorable, and the method further comprises:
 creating an authored component;   defining one or more authorable properties; and   adding the authored component to a toolbar.   
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the canvas definition is for use in an application in a canvas sandboxed in-frame.