A Prototype API Documentation search bar add-on gizmo.

The Prototype JavaScript framework is a fine thing, and the Prototype API Documentation online reference is indispensible. The only problem is that currently the Prototype site has no site search, except for the API Search Bookmarklet which will only retrieve for specific method names (which is certainly useful but somewhat limiting, since it assumes you already know what you're looking for).

So here is a search bar add-on that simply uses Google to perform full-text searches of the API docs on the Prototype site. There are two different versions — one for Firefox and one for IE7 (which has a slightly crippled implementation of the OpenSearch protocol).

To install:

1. Expand your search bar menu.
2. Select the Add "Prototype API Search" option for the browser yer usin'.
3. Have a nice day.

Disclaimer / Terms of Use

Obviously, this is not an official Prototype thingamabob. I just made some search bar add-ons for my own use and am sharing them with you. The search bar add-ons are totally innocuous, but nevertheless by installing it/them you agree I ain't liable for anything, period, the end.

Other Prototype reference resources (as of Feb. 2008)

• Prototype API Documentation online reference — In case you missed it. The following links are all cribbed from there, so there.
• Prototype JavaScript Library Reference Sidebar for Mozilla Firefox (Requires DevBoi) — Gives you an expanding-tree-view of Prototypes docs, linking directly to the online API site.
• Prototype API Search Bookmarklet (Cribbed straight from the Prototype API Documentation landing page. Visit for the latest original version.) — Drag this bookmark to your browser's toolbar. Type in a method to view its documentation. For example, Event.observe.
• API documentation in CHM format — by Kjell Bublitz
• Dashboard widget — For Mac OS 10.4.3 or later.

Search Bar Add-Ons Are Fun

The search bar add-ons offered here are written using the OpenSearch protocol, which ain't nothin' but some XML.

Note that IE7 cannot grok <Param> XML nodes of <Url>, even though it's supposed to.