Thread: DLL Plugin system

  1. #1
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    DLL Plugin system

    Concerning design methods for my 3D Engine, I have tested several, but I think that a plugin system would be excellent. However, I don't know from where to start! I have experience in making DLLs, but i don't know how to make a plugin system.

    If anyone can help me out here, I'd appreciate it a lot.
    Thanks!
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  2. #2
    pronounced 'fib' FillYourBrain's Avatar
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    if you've ever messed with activeX or netscape plugins you would see a concept of standard interfaces.

    a standard interface is one that should be enough for any plugin. It's a series of function calls that your dll will have to implement in order to work. plus you may want to include a standard callback interface for the main app.
    "You are stupid! You are stupid! Oh, and don't forget, you are STUPID!" - Dexter

  3. #3
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    Can you point me to some tutorials? Cause I've never worked with ActiveX or netscape plugins, just win32 DLLs.
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  4. #4
    pronounced 'fib' FillYourBrain's Avatar
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    I am not familiar with any tutorials really but it's a simple concept.

    ask yourself, what you want a plugin to be allowed to do. Then define the interface it must have. an interface can be a series of exported functions in the dll or a pointer to a class interface or even (as in NS plugins) a pointer to a struct full of function pointers.
    "You are stupid! You are stupid! Oh, and don't forget, you are STUPID!" - Dexter

  5. #5
    pronounced 'fib' FillYourBrain's Avatar
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    Then just have some registration process. A plugin is assiciated with some file type or something. Either that has to be "installed" or it can be done when the program loads. For instance a function called GetPluginInfo() can be called on every dll in the plugin directory when your main app loads.
    "You are stupid! You are stupid! Oh, and don't forget, you are STUPID!" - Dexter

  6. #6
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    I surely can export a class out of a plugin (I don't know if i say this correctly), cause I need to.
    Do you have any sample plugin code? ANything smalla dns imple to get me started?

    Thanks
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  7. #7
    pronounced 'fib' FillYourBrain's Avatar
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    here's the netscape plugin site
    http://devedge.netscape.com/central/plugins/
    "You are stupid! You are stupid! Oh, and don't forget, you are STUPID!" - Dexter

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