This guide helps you choose between the Automation and App templates when creating a new extension.
- Automation template: Configure once, then run with no user interaction. Ideal for repeatable tasks that can execute without additional prompts.
- App template: Create a full application with a user interface and user interaction. Ideal for tools that need ongoing input, screens, or workflows.
Use the Automation template when the extension can run from a single configuration and then execute without additional input.
Typical characteristics:
- Best for batch operations, repeatable checks, or one-shot transformations.
- Simple user interface for configuration and no user interface while your extension is running.
Use the App template when you need a real application experience with screens, commands, and ongoing user interaction.
Typical characteristics:
- Includes a custom UI with views and controls.
- Supports step-by-step workflows and ongoing interaction.
- Suitable for long-running tools that need progress, feedback, or rich input.
- Automation: Apply a standardized rule to selected elements, export a report, or run a cleanup task using predefined settings.
- App: Provide a multi-step workflow, interactive selection, or a dashboard with status and controls.