Plugin Management
Plugin management is a software development concept that involves designing, implementing, and maintaining systems for dynamically extending application functionality through modular components called plugins. It enables developers to add features without modifying core code, supporting customization, scalability, and third-party integrations. This includes mechanisms for discovery, installation, configuration, versioning, and lifecycle control of plugins.
Developers should learn plugin management when building extensible applications like IDEs (e.g., Visual Studio Code), content management systems (e.g., WordPress), or enterprise software to allow users or other developers to add custom features. It's crucial for creating maintainable systems that can evolve over time without code bloat, enabling modular architecture and fostering ecosystems through community contributions.