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- Plugins are software programs that can be dynamically added to existing programs to add / enhance the functionality.
- They are also called Add-ons or Bundles (the OSGi term).
- You may have seen plugins in the software that you use, Internet browsers, text/graphics editors, games, etc.
- Examples include Adobe Flash and Adobe Reader for browsers, and countless Photoshop filters.
- The java standard for Plugins is OSGi (http://www.osgi.org), this is what IGB (written in java) uses.
- Users can search for plugins and choose ones that address their needs.
- The user can add the plugin (download and install) whenever they want.
- They can remove a plugin if they no longer need it.
- The plugins can also be updated dynamically when the author(s) make changes.
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