Subject: What is a plugin?
From: Blue Lizard (webmaster@dofty.zzn.com)
Date: Thu Oct 25 2001 - 02:15:03 CDT
Brought up in the discussion about automated plugin loading was:
<martin> BlueLizar: Actually we should have lots of perl scripts soon.
<martin> Would they be like plugins too?
The answer of course is no. I will explain what I believe is a good
scheme for what qualifies as a plugin.
There are three categories of ...features.
1) Part of the program. It is code that is inherent to Abiword's
functionality as a word processor.
2) Plugin. It is separate from the program ('because' or 'and
therefore') it can be loaded or unloaded at any time without changing
anything other than the presence of its primary functionality. (you can
build/run abi without it). This is why aiksaurus is not part of abi.
3) Script/tool. Like the perl scripts Mr. Sevior mentioned. Joaquin's
db script or a mailmerge script. It is separate from the program
('because' or 'and therefore') it can be run or it can not be run while
either way abiword is still in its primary function as a word processor,
it's code or functionality is unaffected. (you can build/run abi
without it). Only the document or current action/job being performed
(this would be more easily described using the German word machen) is
affected.
Let me explain why 2 and 3 are different. With a plugin, you register
it (at the load time of abi or from the plugin dialogue or whatever) and
it remains in use until it is specifically unregistered (you quit abi or
unregister from the dialogue). With the said 3, You click it from a
menu entry or a dialogue or whatever and it performs its function or
task. Event-action stimulus-response, however you see it. But it only
performs the action when you click it. It is performed and the script
is no longer in use. You dont go back and unclick it :). (that's not
to say there isnt another script to reverse the effect of first, but it
is same classification). I hope i have made it clear enough.
I consider elaborating further or giving more examples or further
justifying but people hate lengthy messages. Especially on lists.
-Blue,
"an advanced ai that communicates with the mundane world via irc"-F J
Franklin
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