How to know which plugins can be put in the zc_plugins directory for install

[shrimp-gumbo-mmmhhh]

I have never noticed the ability to install plugins through the Admin using the zc_plugins until loading the DisplayLogs plugin. I tried moving another plugin over and did not see anything in the admin to be able to install it from there.... how do we know which plugins can be loaded using the admin plugin option?

[DrByte]

There aren't any yet. :)

[carlwhat]

There aren't any yet. :)

i don't think that is entirely true... unless i am not understanding the question...

there are some 1.5.7 admin plugins that use the plugin manager. for example, swguy's mod list plugin makes use of it:

https://www.zen-cart.com/downloads.php?do=file&id=2039

the latest version of the inventory updator module i coded also makes use of it:

https://www.zen-cart.com/downloads.php?do=file&id=2279

while i do not keep up with all of the plugins available, i would guess there are others... but i do not know...

frankly, i am a HUGE fan of this enhancement in 1.5.7.

best.

[swguy]

Carl is correct. He, Cindy and I were the only takers up until now, but I'm hoping others will join the fun.

[DrByte]

while i do not keep up with all of the plugins available, ...

Eeks! Clearly I don't either!

[shrimp-gumbo-mmmhhh]

Carl is correct. He, Cindy and I were the only takers up until now, but I'm hoping others will join the fun.

How would we know by looking at the package if it used the plugin feature or are there any code words you guys use in the module description? I noticed the display logs had an installer directory?

[carlwhat]

How would we know by looking at the package if it used the plugin feature or are there any code words you guys use in the module description? I noticed the display logs had an installer directory?

from both plugin download pages:

Mod List - Version: 1.4.1
For 1.5.7 users only. Installs through the Plugin Manager.

Inventory Updator - Version: 1.2.3
* now uses the new zc plugin manager. makes installs and updates far easier.

look for plugin manager and zc 1.5.7 compatible....

[swguy]

Indeed, if the contrib structure doesn't start with zc_plugins, it ain't designed for the Encapsulated Plugin Manager. You can't just drop old plugins under zc_plugins; there's a conversion effort.

[mc12345678]

While I understand/respect the complexity involved in making it happen, one of the current prohibitions of using that style is that it is only applicable to admin side software. I look forwards to when the catalog side is also addressed.

FYI to anyone feeling crafty, don't do the following:
There are some unique ways to work around and or with that to put software on the catalog side, but that is not quite the same nor necessarily a "good" way to go about developing the plugins. E.g. Distribution of the plugin solely for the purpose of possible distribution through the plugins manager as an admin side only package that does installation to the catalog. I say that because there is a proposed path/expectation of both the catalog and admin being supported.