> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://build.localwp.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://build.localwp.com/building.md).

# Building your Add-on

Local is powered by Electron/Node.js. This means all Add-ons interface with Local using a simple JavaScript API.

With that in mind, don't think Local Add-ons can *only* be JavaScript. Node.js provides robust APIs such as [`child_process`](https://nodejs.org/api/child_process.html) which enable executing outside binaries and shell scripts.

Also, thanks to the vast ecosystem of modern JavaScript, you can write your Local Add-on in any language that transpiles to ES5, such as ES6, ES7, or [TypeScript](http://typescriptlang.org/).

You can get up and running with your new add-on quickly and easily with the [Local Add-on Generator](https://github.com/getflywheel/create-local-addon). It is super simple to set up, and can help you start creating your new add-on in no time! It automatically sets up a bare-bones add-on in Local, and shows some helpful tips and examples (many of which are detailed in the following sections) to jumpstart your add-on development.

{% hint style="info" %}
The Local Add-on API is always growing! If you need a hook to be added for any reason, please let us know in the [Local Community](https://localwp.com/community/) and we'll be happy to work with you.
{% endhint %}


---

# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.

## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter:

```
GET https://build.localwp.com/building.md?ask=<question>&goal=<endgoal>
```

`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal.

The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.