FBML Essentials

Step 1: Set Up a Facebook Developer Account

The first step in creating a Facebook app is to register a developer account. Of course, you can develop applications using your normal Facebook account, but then you risk potentially exposing your app to competitors and others while it’s still under development. It is generally better practice to always develop and test your app in an account designated as a developer on Facebook. To set up a developer account, do the following:

1. Log out of your normal Facebook account.

2. On the Facebook home page, click the “Sign Up” button:

   

3. Fill in the form with any information you want. This could be completely fake, as it will be only your developer account, not your main account.

4. Submit the form, and wait for a confirmation email. In the email, click on the link. You’re now logged into your new account!

5. Now that you’re logged in, copy this URL into your browser’s URL bar: http://www.facebook.com/developers/become_test_account.php

6. On the next screen, click on the “Make [your developer username] a Test Account” button:

   

7. That will take you to a final confirmation page. Congratulations, you now have a developer account! Remember the email address you used for this account, as you’ll need it to log in every time you want to test your app.

Caution

Don’t follow these steps ...