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Introduction

Plugins are software that can be dynamically added to existing programs to add / enhance the functionality. They are also
called add-ons (Microsoft Explorer) or bundles (the OSGi term). The plugins can also be updated dynamically when the author(s)
make changes.
You may have seen plugins in the software that you use, they Internet browsers use plugins,
Explain:

What is a bundle? Give an example.
What is OSGi and how does it work?
- Explain what an Activator is.
Provide references to tutorials developers new to the concept of bundles can read to get familiar with the topic.
Explain the concept of extension point.
Explain the advantages of bundles, plug-ins. (Ann can write this part after talking more with Michael and Lance.)

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Import-Package and Require-Bundle don't need to overlap, you can specify a requirement in one or the other. To have a multi line header, start the continuation line after a blank in column 1.
Put a blank line at the end of the manifest.mf file - due to a bug in felix.
The igb, genometry and genoviz projects can by accessed as bundles. If a class/method is needed from igb/genometry/genoviz, it must be public, and the package must be exported in the manifest.mf Export-Package list. Ann's note: manifest.mf of what?
If you want to add a tab panel as a bundle, there is a helper abstract class, com.affymetrix.igb.window.service.WindowActivator, that you can extend.
If you need access to other bundles (like IGBService), you will not be sure when the
bundle is available. (Ann's note: Please explain more) For Services, like IGBService and WindowService, you can use a ServiceTracker to be notified when the required service is available - see WindowActivator
for an example.

to create a plugin, you need to create at least two files, the MANIFEST.MF file and the Activator
- (you can create a

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