Features

Plugify is a powerful and versatile plugin 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.
• DLang: Support of D language.

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 could include the Mamba 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.