dev:browser_staff:hatch:who_needs_it

Table of Contents

Do I Need The Java Shim (AKA Hatch) For My Browser Staff Client?

Do I Need The Java Shim (AKA Hatch) For My Browser Staff Client?

Printing

I need to print unmediated (without a dialog) to multiple printers, like receipt and label printers.

You need Hatch

I need to print to exactly one printer unmediated.

You do NOT need Hatch

Firefox and Chrome both provide mechanisms for dialog-free printing.
- For example, in Firefox, it means adding an about:config boolean preference called "print.always_print_silent" with a value of "true".
Note: only activate silent printing after initial printer configuration.

I need to apply custom printer settings

You do NOT need Hatch

When printing via the browser, use the browser's native print configuration dialog instead of the Evergreen/Hatch print configuration tool.

Offline

I create offline transactions

You do NOT need Hatch

NOTE: Offline data is stored in IndexedDB storage within the browser. This is separate and safer than localStorage, or cookie and cache storage.

I manage offline sessions (upload batches)

You do NOT need Hatch

See also note from above
NOTE: uploading externally created offline files will be handled via file upload, similar to the XUL client.

Storing Local Preferences

I need to store local preferences (workstation, grid layout, other UI preferences) outside of the browser in a shared location

You need Hatch

Do this to persist preferences across multiple browsers
Do this to prevent tampering with preferences or the workstation name by staff via the browser developer tools.
- Note: you can also do this by disabling access to the developer tools through browser configuration. (e.g. Chrome User Policies)

I'm fine storing all preferences directly in the browser

You do NOT need hatch

The browser's local storage will be used.