New feature: Plugins

[macsnoeren]

I got the idea to improve the framework with plugins to implement the required functionality instead of extending the class. The main application starts the node and adds the required plugins to the scene that is required to implement the application. Implementation of a discovery methodolgy is than simply done by the implementation of a plugin. Furthermore, sharing is made easier, because these pugins can be easily used by others. Therefore, this functionality will enable the open source creation of the functionality. I am also able to supply basic plugins to the scene like encryption, blockchain and discovery things. I will start developing this functionality and also try to create an example.

[macsnoeren]

Ohw ... the old ways to implement the framework shall still be available ;), not breaking you code.

[SamuelHaidu]

I was thinking about this. Maybe can implemented with middlewares like http frameworks. The middleware will intercepted the message or connection make something and pass to the next step. Can be implemented compression, encryption, encode and decoding objects (like blocks on blockchain).

[macsnoeren]

Just like nodejs express framework or so. That sounds indeed interesting. I am now busy with experimenting with plugin framework. The plugins can interact on all the events that occur and are processed in the order that they have been added. It looks a bit like middleware solution.

[macsnoeren]

I am now considering a design pattern for this according to http frameworks. Not yet found a solution other than the plugin I already implemented some how. However, with the plugins all plugins are executed. Within the HTTP frameworks if next() is not called, the process stops. That is also great for error handling.

The difference with HTTP framework is that also functionality to send specific message for instance. Discovery functionality for example. That can be implemented well using plugins. I am struggling how this could be done using the design pattern of the http framework.

Do you have any suggestions?