Features

Plugify is a powerful and versatile plugin and package manager designed to simplify multi-language plugin development. Below is a detailed breakdown of its key features and capabilities.

Multi-Language Support

Plugify supports plugins written in multiple programming languages, enabling developers to choose the language that best fits their needs. Implemented languages include:

• C++: Native support with a dedicated language module.
• C#: Support for both .NET and Mono frameworks.
• Python: Integration with Python 3.12 and above.
• Go: Full support for Go plugins.
• JavaScript: Integration with the V8 engine.

This flexibility allows teams to leverage their existing expertise and tools, making plugin development more accessible and efficient.

Inter-Language Communication

Plugify enables seamless communication between plugins written in different languages. Key features include:

• Shared Methods: Export methods from one plugin and use them in another, regardless of the programming language.
• Data Sharing: Share data structures and objects between plugins, enabling complex interactions.
• Standardized Calling Convention: Plugify uses the C calling convention for function calls, ensuring compatibility across languages and platforms.

Package Management

Plugify includes a robust package manager that simplifies the management of plugins and language modules. Key features include:

• Local and Remote Packages: Manage both locally stored packages and remote packages from online repositories.
• Dependency Resolution: Automatically resolve and install dependencies for plugins and modules.
• Snapshot Support: Create snapshots of your plugin and module configurations for easy sharing or deployment.
• Conflict Handling: Detect and resolve conflicts between packages to ensure system stability.

Cross-Platform Compatibility

Plugify is designed to work on a wide range of platforms, including:

• Desktop: Windows (7+), Linux, macOS (13.0+)
• Consoles: PlayStation 4/5, Nintendo Switch
• Mobile: Android (14+), iOS/iPadOS/tvOS (16.0+)
• Other: UWP (Universal Windows, Xbox One)

This cross-platform support ensures that Plugify can be used in a variety of environments, from game development to enterprise applications.

Extensible Architecture

Plugify's modular design allows developers to extend its functionality to meet their specific needs. Key extensibility features include:

• Custom Language Modules: Develop new language modules to support additional programming languages.
• Plugin Lifecycle Hooks: Implement custom logic for plugin initialization, updates, and termination.
• Configuration Options: Customize Plugify's behavior through configuration files and runtime settings.

High Performance

Plugify is optimized for performance, with minimal overhead for inter-language communication. Key performance features include:

• Native Execution: C++ plugins run at near-native speed, with no additional overhead.
• Efficient Marshaling: Language modules handle parameter marshaling efficiently, minimizing performance impact.
• Asynchronous Operations: Support for asynchronous plugin loading and communication to improve responsiveness.

Developer-Friendly Tools

Plugify provides a suite of tools to make plugin development easier and more efficient:

• Comprehensive Documentation: Detailed API references, guides, and tutorials are available to help developers get started.
• Example Projects: Sample plugins and language modules demonstrate best practices and common use cases.
• Debugging Support: Integrated logging and error reporting make it easier to diagnose and fix issues.

Community and Ecosystem

Plugify is backed by a growing community of developers and contributors. Key community features include:

• Open Source: Plugify is open-source, allowing developers to contribute to its development and improvement.
• Active Support: Get help and share ideas through the Discord server and GitHub issues.
• Third-Party Extensions: A growing ecosystem of third-party plugins and language modules extends Plugify's capabilities.

Use Cases

Plugify is ideal for a wide range of applications, including:

• Game Development: Create mods and extensions for games using your preferred programming language.
• Software Extensibility: Add plugin support to your applications, enabling third-party developers to extend their functionality.
• Cross-Language Projects: Simplify the development of projects that require multiple programming languages.

Plugify's rich feature set makes it the ultimate tool for modern plugin development. Whether you're building a game, an extensible application, or a cross-language system, Plugify has the tools and flexibility you need to succeed.