Introduction to Plugin Architecture

Plugin Packaging

Joget support 2 types of plugin packaging, there are Standard Java Plugin and Dynamic OSGI Plugin.

Build as a standard Java JAR
Plugin classes should be placed in a package name starting with “org.joget”. (OEM package are allowed to specify other package names)
Make JAR available in the Java classpath (e.g., place it under WEB-INF/lib or application server lib folder).
Requires restarting the JVM for deployment or changes
May cause library version conflicts with base libraries or other plugins
Easier to develop and test using normal Java classes and libraries

Build as an OSGi (Open Services Gateway initiative framework) JAR bundle
Deploy JAR using the Manage Plugins in the Web Console.
Supports dynamic loading/unloading/reloading without restarting
Runs in isolated mode, preventing library version conflict with base libraries or other plugins
More difficult to develop and test due to OSGi configuration and isolation
Technology powering this structure: Apache Felix