Import Functions
Learn how to import functions from other plugins written in different languages and use them in your own.
In Plugify, the Lua language module allows you to import and use functions from plugins written in other languages. This is achieved through runtime-generated synthetic modules, which enable seamless inter-plugin communication.
This guide explains how to import functions in Lua.
Overview
When importing functions from another plugin in Lua:
- Runtime-Generated Modules: Plugify dynamically generates synthetic modules at runtime, allowing you to import and call functions from other plugins directly.
- Direct Function Calls: Functions are called directly using the imported synthetic modules.
Importing Functions in Lua
Import Synthetic Modules
To import functions from another plugin, use Plugify's require system to load the synthetic module for the target plugin.
plugify: The core Plugify module, providing utility classes likeVector2,Vector3, etc.plugin_from_another_language: The synthetic module for the target plugin. Replace this with the name of the plugin you want to import functions from.
Call the Imported Functions
Once the synthetic module is imported, you can call its functions directly.
Example 1: Calling a Simple Function
ParamCallback: This is an example function exported by the target plugin. Replace it with the actual function name.- Parameters: Pass the required parameters as defined by the function signature.
Example 2: Calling a Function with a Callback Parameter
If the imported function requires a callback as a parameter, you can define the callback in Lua and pass it to the function. Here's an example:
CallFuncCallback: This is an example function that accepts a callback as a parameter.mockFunc: This is the callback function defined in JavaScript. It modifies the parameters passed by reference and returns them in an array.- Return Values: The callback function returns
null(for the void return type) and the modified parameters.
Using Type Files for Development
While Lua is dynamically typed and does not use type files like TypeScript, you can still benefit from development aids such as auto-complete, documentation, and static analysis by generating helper type hints or documentation for imported plugin APIs.
Generating Type Files
Plugify provides a unified generator tool to automatically generate type files for imported plugins.
Using the Online Generator:
Visit plugify-gen tool to generate type files through a user-friendly web interface. Simply upload your plugin manifest file (.pplugin) and select Lua as the target language to generate the corresponding .lua annotation file.
Using the Command-Line Tool:
You can also download and use the generator tool locally from the plugify-gen repository.
Example usage:
Generated Type File:
- The script will generate a lua file (e.g.,
MyPlugin.lua) in the specified output folder. - Example type file content:
Using Type Files in Your IDE:
- Place the generated type file (
.lua) in your project directory (but not in the plugins folder). - IDEs like VSCode will use the type file to provide type hints and autocompletion.
VSCode Support:
- VSCode automatically detects type files in your project. Ensure the
typesfolder (or the folder containing your.luafiles) is included in yourluaconfig.jsonfile. - Example
luaconfig.jsonconfiguration:
Notes
- Type Files Are Optional: Type files are only for development and should not be included in your plugin's runtime folder.
- Runtime Efficiency: Since Lua is dynamically typed, function calls are resolved at runtime without the need for pre-compiled headers or type definitions.
By following this guide, you can easily import and use functions from other plugins in your Lua plugin, while leveraging type files for a better development experience.