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Is it possible to update filter rules in Thunderbird via custom extension?

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  • Last reply by GreezXII

GreezXII
GreezXII
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Hi and thank you for your attention.

I want to create an extension for Mozilla Thunderbird that implement some sort of black list. It is possible to create filter rules for mails and I want to add a button which create filter rule for selected address. These rules are stored in msgFilterRules.dat file and I could manually edit it but only when Thunderbird is closed.

Is there any way to manipulate this file with some sort of API or WebExtensions?

Hi and thank you for your attention. I want to create an extension for Mozilla Thunderbird that implement some sort of black list. It is possible to create filter rules for mails and I want to add a button which create filter rule for selected address. These rules are stored in msgFilterRules.dat file and I could manually edit it but only when Thunderbird is closed. Is there any way to manipulate this file with some sort of API or WebExtensions?

Chosen solution

Thanks to John Bieling from https://thunderbird.topicbox.com/groups/addons

currently we have no API to manipulate filters, but it has been requested and we will add that eventually. In the meantime, you could implement your own filter system, by listening for new messages and move them if they hit your own blocklist: https://webextension-api.thunderbird.net/en/91/messages.html#onnewmailreceived https://webextension-api.thunderbird.net/en/91/messages.html#move-messageids-destination
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All Replies (5)

Wayne Mery
Wayne Mery
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> Is there any way to manipulate this file with some sort of API or WebExtensions?

With Thunderbird closed? No.

GreezXII
GreezXII Question owner
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Wayne Mery said
> Is there any way to manipulate this file with some sort of API or WebExtensions? With Thunderbird closed? No.

Sorry, I'm afraid you got me wrong. I’m looking for a way to create filter rules via WebExtensions when Thunderbird is open or at least edit msgFilterRules.dat file when Thunderbird is open .

Matt
Matt
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I suggest you join the web extensions mailing list to ask your questions on developing same. BTW Thunderbird calls them mail extensions and they are not the same as those used in Firefox and Chrome.

https://thunderbird.topicbox.com/groups/addons

You might also want to look at the Thunderbird developer documentation. https://developer.thunderbird.net/thunderbird-development/getting-started

and documentation for mail extension authors https://developer.thunderbird.net/add-ons/mailextensions

GreezXII
GreezXII Question owner
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Matt said
I suggest you join the web extensions mailing list to ask your questions on developing same. BTW Thunderbird calls them mail extensions and they are not the same as those used in Firefox and Chrome. https://thunderbird.topicbox.com/groups/addons You might also want to look at the Thunderbird developer documentation. https://developer.thunderbird.net/thunderbird-development/getting-started and documentation for mail extension authors https://developer.thunderbird.net/add-ons/mailextensions

Thank you! I think mailing list may be very useful.

GreezXII
GreezXII Question owner
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Chosen Solution

Thanks to John Bieling from https://thunderbird.topicbox.com/groups/addons

currently we have no API to manipulate filters, but it has been requested and we will add that eventually. In the meantime, you could implement your own filter system, by listening for new messages and move them if they hit your own blocklist: https://webextension-api.thunderbird.net/en/91/messages.html#onnewmailreceived https://webextension-api.thunderbird.net/en/91/messages.html#move-messageids-destination