New BetaZone tester. Why and what are plugins about?

[Skidjit]

I've just decided to test out this new BetaZone stuff a couple of days ago.

Plugins are new to me.

What I've found:
I have taken a look around and see that there is a place to get plugins.
I can see plugins have codes. I've seen many questions/requests for plugins.
I did see someone say that plugins are better because it makes the loading times for each user much faster. Is that all there is to it?

What are they exactly? (basic meaning please.)

Is it a new way of adding Header and Footer codes? It looks like they are downloaded instead of the old way of "copy and pasting" those codes into the proper spots.

But then I feel like I have to be wrong, because none of this is making sense to me.

I guess I'm just lost and I'm wondering how are plugins better than the old Header and Footer days?

I'm so green but willing to learn. Please help. Thanks ahead of time.

[Stinky666]

Mar 25, 2013 8:55:14 GMT -8 Skidjit said:

I've just decided to test out this new BetaZone stuff a couple of days ago.

Plugins are new to me.

What I've found:
I have taken a look around and see that there is a place to get plugins.
I can see plugins have codes. I've seen many questions/requests for plugins.
I did see someone say that plugins are better because it makes the loading times for each user much faster. Is that all there is to it?

What are they exactly? (basic meaning please.)

Is it a new way of adding Header and Footer codes? It looks like they are downloaded instead of the old way of "copy and pasting" those codes into the proper spots.

But then I feel like I have to be wrong, because none of this is making sense to me.

I guess I'm just lost and I'm wondering how are plugins better than the old Header and Footer days?

I'm so green but willing to learn. Please help. Thanks ahead of time.

My answers possibly wont be the best, because I am not familiar with plugins (from that I mean, I can't create, and never have tried to).
The biggest and most important (in my eyes) thing for a plugin, is the fact that they are user friendly to edit. Before, some simple codes you would have to go through bits of it to edit certain parts. Now, you have input area, text fields and the likes, that tell you what goes in it etc. So you can't accidentally remove parts of the code whilst adjusting the settings to your liking/needs.

How are they better? See my above comment
I think they also do load faster, too. Not sure if true, but it seems right. Someone who knows what they are talking about can explain if it is true or not, if they want.

[Skidjit]

Thanks for trying.

So far, I am liking the new way the admin pannel is set up... for easier skin changes. I still need to tinker around a bit more. I just was not sure what difference using this thing I keep hearing about... Plugins would be different. I still need to look around to find out where the headers and footers are located. I was not sure if this was replaced by plugins or if I should keep looking.

[Stinky666]

Mar 25, 2013 11:54:46 GMT -8 Skidjit said:

Thanks for trying.

So far, I am liking the new way the admin pannel is set up... for easier skin changes. I still need to tinker around a bit more. I just was not sure what difference using this thing I keep hearing about... Plugins would be different. I still need to look around to find out where the headers and footers are located. I was not sure if this was replaced by plugins or if I should keep looking.

Headers and Footers are still there. Admin > Structure > Headers and Footers

[Wormopolis]

in the future, one of the advantages of plugins, is that the author can control the version changes to it. if all plugins are taken from the same place, the author can update the plugin and the next time an admin logs in, they will be presented with the option of upgrading to the newest version.

another advantage to the authors, is that it will be possible in the future to write a bigger plugin and charge for it. which means the authors that contribute a good chunk of their free time can start earning some reward back on it if the code is popular enough. think about how rich Todge would be if he charged a dollar for tabulated categories, or eton for enhanced ubbc tables.

on the member side, less mistakes are made when editing the input variables because the UI keeps editing mistakes at bay, and can also provide defaults for when the option hasnt been changed. the code itself can be kept secure and away from tampering fingers that insert things like HTML in the middle of a code, or attempt to paste a word formatted chunk of text that adds artificial line feeds. all of which kills the code from working and sends the member back to the support boards for reasons.

plugins also allow access to a new feature of keys. keys are capable of storing information server side. so you no longer have to store data in the custom text or signature field of a member. you no longer have to store a bunch of flags in the post itself. the keys lie hidden in the forum and can be access anytime their reference appears on the page.

another feature of the plugins, is you can move around what order they will run in simply by dragging them on the manage page. no more cutting and pasting in the h/f. you can also set specifically which themes (skins) the plugins run on, as well as set which users/groups will see the plugin effect.

[Skidjit]

It sounds like they are made to be more user friendly with more options.

Thanks.