Книга: Embedded Linux development using Eclipse

7.2 So What Is a Plug-In?

It might help to think of Eclipse as the software equivalent of a USB hub. Plug a device into a USB hub and the system automatically figures out what it is and how to drive it. Likewise, when a plug-in is installed into Eclipse, the system determines what the plug-inis capable of doing and what it depends on, so that things get loaded in the proper order.

The core of a plug-in is Java code, so in order to develop truly useful plug-ins, you’ll need to know Java. This book is not the place to learn it. The Resources section at the end of the chapter can point you to Java resources.

With the release of version 3.0, Eclipse adopted the OSGi[8] framework for modular, dynamic, Java components. The OSGi framework defines a dynamic component model that allows applications or components, in the form of “bundles,” to be remotely installed, started, stopped, updated, and uninstalled without requiring a system reboot. An Eclipse plug-in is the equivalent of an OSGi bundle.

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