12. Plugins

This section explains how to create and edit plugins.

12.1. Files location

To be recognized by the application, plugins should be located in one of these folders:

  • %LocalAppData%/ORS/Dragonfly(version)/pythonUserExtensions/Plugins (available for the current user)
  • %ProgramData%/ORS/Dragonfly(version)/pythonAllUsersExtensions/Plugins (available for all users)
  • %ProgramData%/ORS/Dragonfly(version)/python/OrsPythonPlugins (distributed with the application)

Note

All the mandatory files defining a plugin should be contained in a folder having the same name as the plugin implementation file and the implementation class. For example, a simple plugin named ASimplePlugin would be constituted of these files:

  • %LocalAppData%/ORS/Dragonfly(version)/pythonUserExtensions/Plugins/ASimplePlugin/__init__.py
  • %LocalAppData%/ORS/Dragonfly(version)/pythonUserExtensions/Plugins/ASimplePlugin/ASimplePlugin.py

See Extension files for more information on the purpose of each file.

12.2. File creation

To create a plugin, start the application, start the OrsPythonPlugins.OrsPluginGenerator.OrsPluginGenerator (found in Developer/Python Plugin Generator), fill in the required fields in the different tabs and press the button Create plugin.

See Plugin elements for more information on the elements of a plugin.

12.3. File edition

Design the UI

If a UI is used, design it in the generated .ui file(s).

See How to develop a User Interface for more information.

Develop the code

Open the implementation file (the Python file having the name of the plugin) in a text editor. Fill in the required methods.