Building Your First Owl.js Component in Odoo 17

Understanding Owl.js

• Reactive Framework: Owl.js is a component-based JavaScript framework developed by Odoo. It's inspired by modern frameworks like React and Vue.js. Owl components react to changes in data, updating the user interface seamlessly.
• Component Structure: Owl components are self-contained building blocks consisting of:
  • JavaScript logic (defining behavior)
  • XML template (defining structure)

Prerequisites

• Odoo 17 development environment setup
• Basic understanding of HTML, JavaScript, and XML.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Create a Custom Module:

   • Set up a basic Odoo module with the necessary manifest files.

2. Define the JavaScript File:

   • Create a JavaScript file (e.g., my_component.js) within the /static/src/js directory of your module.
   • Here's a simple counter component example:
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3. Define the XML Template

   • Optionally, create a corresponding XML file (e.g., my_component.xml) in the /static/src/xml directory to hold your template (if not embedded in the JavaScript file as above).

4. Load Your Component

   • Update your module's assets file (e.g., assets_backend.xml) to load the JavaScript file:
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5. Use the Component in a View:

   • Integrate the component into a relevant Odoo view:
    
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Explanation

• Import Statements: You import the necessary hooks (useState) and template tags (xml) from the owl library.
• Counter Class: Defines your Owl component.
• template: Contains the HTML structure of the component. t- attributes provide dynamic behaviors:
  • t-esc: Displays the value of state.count
  • t-on-click: Calls the increment or decrement methods.
• setup(): Initializes the component's state using the useState hook.
• Methods: The increment and decrement methods modify the state, causing re-rendering.

Key Points

• State variables defined with useState trigger re-rendering when updated.
• Odoo uses a virtual DOM for efficient updates.
• Owl offers a rich set of features for complex components, including lifecycle hooks, props, and more.

Remember to install and restart your module to see the component in action!

Source credit

https://www.odoo.com/documentation/17.0/developer/reference/frontend/owl_components.html

https://github.com/odoo/owl/blob/master/doc/readme.md