What is the difference between protected and unprotected extensions?
A protected extension can only be used by applications that have an explicit dependency on the extension (set in the Dependency tab of MIF file). Unprotected extensions can be used by any application, irrespective of whether the application declares a dependency on it. Unprotected extensions may export a MIME type, so that an application can make use of its services. For more information on exporting MIME Types, please refer to the MIF Editor Guide. An app can use an extension that is has declared dependency on it, as well as any unprotected extensions. So if app A declared a dependency on unprotected extn B, then app C could utilize extn B if it became aware of it. However, if extn B was protected, app C could not use it unless it depended on extn B. Some features that unprotected vs. protected extensions can be used for are 1. Enforcing which apps are ‘privileged’ to use the extension 2. Pre-packaged extensions that can be used by all apps on the phone.
