Unofficial Mozilla Spell-checker FAQ

Version 1.0 - 2001-11-11

Many people often ask about Mozilla's spell-checker support. This document lays out the extremely frequently-asked questions.

Does Mozilla have a spell-checker?
Yes. It's located between the keyboard and the chair.
I mean a program!
Oh. Then no, it doesn't.
But Netscape 6.x has one...
Yes, it does. Well spotted.
So, why doesn't Mozilla have one?
Because the spell-checking engine inside Netscape's checker is licensed from another company, and is closed source. So, it is not available to Mozilla.
Can I use Netscape's one with my Mozilla-based browser?
Yes, if you have a browser which matches a released Netscape version, you can XPInstall spellchk.xpi, which you will find on Netscape's FTP site in the correct directory for your version of Mozilla. Netscape and Mozilla match up as follows:

Netscape 6.0 ==Mozilla 0.6 But you don't want to go there. Trust me on this.
Netscape 6.1 ==Mozilla 0.9.2 or 0.9.2.1
Netscape 6.2 ==Mozilla 0.9.4 or 0.9.4.1

Is anyone writing a Mozilla spell checker?
No-one is currently working on one. Open Source is about developers scratching their itch - and all the people who could write it seem to have higher priorities. Except you, obviously.
Why does no-one care?
We can all spell. Try learning - it's a useful life skill. Really.
OK, I'll try implementing it. What code is there? Is there a bug open?
The XUL, JS, and Editor code that drive the spell-checker are all checked into the Mozilla tree. The only thing that is missing is an implementation for nsISpellChecker.h. The relevant bug is bug 56301. Please feel free not to add "encouraging" comments to this bug.
Why can't you use open-source spell-checker X?
You mean, "Why can't I use open-source spell-checker X?" Well, there are a number of open-source spell checkers or checking engines around. Here's a partial list: Could any of these be used? Maybe. Why don't you go and find out? Remember, to be checked into the main Mozilla tree it has to be under the standard mozilla.org MPL/LGPL/LGPL tri-license or a license compatible with those, such as the BSD license. If it's under another license, e.g. the LGPL only, it may get in to the other-licenses directory, as an optional add-on module. But a tri-licensed solution is best.
What about using facility Y, which only exists on platform Z?
Any spell-checker which makes it into Mozilla should be available on all platforms. Mozilla has not become what it is today by deciding that one platform is more important than the others.
I won't use Mozilla unless it has one!
Please don't try and threaten us with "I'll go and use IE 6! I will! And then you'll be sorry..." or "Mozilla will be a laughing stock without a spell-checker!" or "The customer is always right. Cower before my mighty consumer power!" People do this and think it'll have an effect, but we really don't care. And you aren't our customer (but that's another debate.) I suggest you direct your energies in more constructive directions - like, for example, learning to spell :-)
I am the CIO of a 50,000-employee company and this is the one thing blocking us using Mozilla on the desktop.
Now we're talking. Why not employ someone to write one? It really wouldn't be that hard. And if it's valuable to your business, you should be willing to spend money to make it happen, right? Try the newsgroup netscape.public.mozilla.jobs if you are looking for people to hire.
Is a spell-checker a requirement for Mozilla 1.0?
No.
This FAQ doesn't cover my spell-checker question.
Please don't ask about the spell-checker in the newsgroups. The contents of this FAQ should be seen as an indication of the fact that everyone is extremely bored of discussing it. Unless you have resources to devote to writing one, we don't want to hear from you on this particular topic. If you do have resources, and say so up front, you are assured of a polite and civil welcome.


Written out of sheer frustration by Gerv, not acting in any sort of official capacity.