How can I create a new Sitecore Marketplace module

Question

I was wondering how should I go about creating a Sitecore module. I did take a look at How can I develop module in Sitecore? and found some information there. However, I am still not clear on few things like:

1. I am assuming I would use Sitecore Instance Manager and its visual studio support package to write my custom code. Is it a decent assumption?

2. After I am done with my changes, how exactly I should package it into a module? (Using standard sitecore packaging or there is something more?)

3. What content goes into the package? (Only the items that I changed or the entire content base?)

4. How do I upload the module and ask someone to review it?

Answer 1

1. You can setup your local Sitecore instance how ever you want. You can use Sitecore Instance Manager if you want as that provides an easy way to get a Sitecore instance up and running.
2. Once you have completed your module, you want to use the built in Sitecore Package Designer. You'll add any Sitecore items that the module needs (Layouts, renderings/sublayouts, custom buttons, etc.) and any files that need to live on the file system (configuration files, DLLs, rendering views, etc.)
3. Only items that are specific to your module should be included.
4. You'll want to go to the Sitecore Marketplace, sign in then click the "Contribute Now" button. Fill out the form(s) and you should have your module available on the marketplace.

While developing your module it would also be good to look over the Sitecore module implementation practices Knowledge base article for best practice.

Answer 2

About 2) Packaging the module. You can automate with Sitecore PowerShell Extensions. When Unicorn 4 is released there is a intresting new way to generate you module package, because generating packages from Unicorn with Powershell is a new feature.

See: Unicorn 4 Preview Part 2.5: Generating Unicorn Packages with SPE

Now not yet been released but good to keep an eye on.