RE: Re: Could use some help with the HomeVision Plug In

["Ian Lowe" <ian@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Hi Mal - the xml plugin is a great user-side feature - it's what allows
the determinators to work, and is basically a well structured xml
description of what your app can do, written by the person that knows it
best - you!

John posted an excellent article on how to do the plugin, I have
included it here to save you trawling yahoo's archive.

>---
What is an xPLHal Plug-in?
------------------------------------------

A plug-in is an XML file that describes the xPL devices released by a
particular vendor.
It is worth noting that plug-ins are unrelated to the xPL protocol
itself - they are just a feature of the xPLHal product to enhance
usability.
Plug-in files are stored within the xPLHal Manager installation folder,
in a directory called "plugins".
They are loaded at startup by the manager, and are used in a variety of
places within the user interface to enhance the end-user experience.

A mechanism for updating plug-ins via the web is provided via the Help
-> Update Plug-in Library menu option.
Developers who wish to make their plug-in available via the web update
mechanism should post their requests to this group. They should include
their vendor name, and the URL to where their plug-in is hosted. Note
that plug-in files must end with the file extension .xml, and must be
hosted on an HTTP web server. We may be able to host plug-in files on
behalf of developers if they do not have their own hosting facilities.

How do I write a plug-in?
--------------------------------------

The best way to begin writing a plug-in is to take a look at the
plug-ins that are already available.
This should give you a good understanding of the structure of a plug-in
file.

A reference plug-in is available at:
http://www.xpl.myby.co.uk/info/vendor-plugin.txt

This file demonstrates every possible feature of a plug-in, complete
with full documentation.

Should you have any questions about writing a plug-in, or suggestions on
how we can improve the plug-in interface, please feel free to post them
to this group.

Regards,

John