---
name: wow-addon-structure
description: Verbose guide for WoW AddOn structure, .toc metadata, loading
  order, SavedVariables, and C_AddOns metadata and load APIs. Use when planning
  addon folder layout, file order, or SavedVariables wiring. Select Retail,
  Forever, or Classic with wow-client-targets before using historical listings.
---

# addon structure

Use for any selected combination of Retail, Forever, and Classic progression. First resolve the target and pinned source with [wow-client-targets](../wow-client-targets/SKILL.md).

## Target-specific decisions

Verify third-party TOC directives, client interface, addon loading APIs, dependencies, initialization order, and SavedVariables. Package a normal TOC per target rather than assuming every client supports the same suffixes or conditions.

Read the relevant row in [compatibility guidance](../wow-client-targets/references/COMPATIBILITY.md). Verify only the APIs needed for this task, using commit-pinned definitions and loaded client code. Missing evidence means unknown, not supported or removed. When offline, disclose the snapshot version/date and unresolved behavior.

## Detailed lookup material

Use the [pinned source schemas](references/generated/README.md) for complete generated contracts in this domain, including typed arguments, returns, event payloads and restrictions. Query only the needed symbols. Source declarations leave loading, runtime behavior and addon permission unresolved unless separately verified.

The [historical Retail baseline](references/RETAIL-BASELINE.md) retains the original API listings and examples. It is a research aid, not current or cross-client verification. Open only relevant supporting references:

- [ADDON_STRUCTURE](references/ADDON_STRUCTURE.md)
- [C_ADDONS_API](references/C_ADDONS_API.md)
- [LOADING_LIFECYCLE](references/LOADING_LIFECYCLE.md)
- [SAVED_VARIABLES](references/SAVED_VARIABLES.md)
- [TOC_FORMAT](references/TOC_FORMAT.md)
- [VIEWING_BLIZZARD_UI](references/VIEWING_BLIZZARD_UI.md)

For implementation and release validation, use [wow-addon-development](../wow-addon-development/SKILL.md).