Setup

widgetbook_generator utilizes the power of the build_runner package to generate the necessary code.

Generating the widgetbook

Execute the generator by running the following command:

flutter pub run build_runner build

If you're actively developing and making many changes, use the watch command instead:

flutter pub run build_runner watch

This command will make build_runner listen for changes in the file system and automatically update Widgetbook accordingly.

Launching the Generated App

Here's how you can utilize this:

1. Annotate a file with @App imported from widgetbook_annotation, for instance, in your widgetbook.dart file. The @App annotation generates a file containing a single variable called directories.

import 'package:widgetbook_annotation/widgetbook_annotation.dart' as widgetbook;

@widgetbook.App()

2. The generator will create a widgetbook.directories.g.dart file in the same directory as the annotated file. This file will contain a directories variable.

├─ ios
├─ lib
├ ├─ main.dart
├ ├─ widgetbook.dart
├ ├─ widgetbook.directories.g.dart
├─ pubspec.yaml

3. Import the widgetbook.directories.g.dart file into your widgetbook.dart file or any other file where you set up your Widgetbook.

import 'widgetbook.directories.g.dart';

4. Set up your Widgetbook as usual. For the directories property, use the generated directories variable from the widgetbook.directories.g.dart file. For instance, you can define and launch your Widgetbook app as follows:

// widgetbook.dart

import 'package:flutter/material.dart';
import 'package:widgetbook/widgetbook.dart';
import 'package:widgetbook_annotation/widgetbook_annotation.dart' as widgetbook;

// Import the generated directories variable
import 'widgetbook.directories.g.dart';

void main() {
  runApp(const WidgetbookApp());
}

@widgetbook.App()
class WidgetbookApp extends StatelessWidget {
  const WidgetbookApp({Key? key}) : super(key: key);

  @override
  Widget build(BuildContext context) {
    return Widgetbook.material(
      // Use the generated directories variable
      directories: directories,
      addons: [],
      integrations: [
        // To make addons & knobs work with Widgetbook Cloud
        WidgetbookCloudIntegration(),
      ],
    );
  }
}

You can then run your app as usual with the flutter run command. If you change your Widgetbook entry you can run:

flutter run -t lib/widgetbook.dart -d macos

This hybrid approach provides a convenient balance between automatic generation and manual setup. While the generator creates the directories variable, you still have complete control over the rest of your Widgetbook's configuration. This approach simplifies setting up and managing your Widgetbook, making it a more efficient and enjoyable experience.