#Build a Plugin

Plugins are a powerful way to extend the functionality of inlang applications. This documentation provides you with the information you need to develop your own plugin.

#Pre-requisites

Node.js (version 18 or higher)

#Step-by-step

#1. Initialize a new plugin module

npx @inlang/cli@latest module init --type plugin

#2. Implement Plugin Logic

Each of the following functions in the code represents a key aspect of your plugin's functionality:

loadMessages: Load messages
saveMessages: Save messages
addCustomApi: Define app-specific APIs

import type { Plugin, PluginSettings } from "@inlang/plugin"
import { id, displayName, description } from "../marketplace-manifest.json"

export const plugin: Plugin<PluginSettings> = {
	id,
	displayName,
	description,
	loadMessages: async ({ languageTags, sourceLanguageTag, settings, nodeishFs }) => {
		// Plugin's loadMessages logic
	},
	saveMessages: async ({ messages, settings, nodeishFs }) => {
		// Plugin's saveMessages logic
	},
	addCustomApi: ({ settings }) => {},
}

Implement the logic for each function according to your plugin's requirements. Example implementation of plugins can be found here.

#3. Configure your plugin

In your lint rule's marketplace-manifest.json make sure to define the following information:

Parameter	Description
`id`	Unique identifier for your plugin.
`icon`	Link to the icon of your plugin (optional).
`gallery`	Optional gallery, the first image acts as coverImage for your plugin.
`displayName`	A user-friendly display name for your plugin.
`description`	Briefly describe what your plugin does.
`readme`	Link to the README documentation for your plugin.
`keywords`	Keywords that describe your plugin.
`publisherName`	Your publisher name.
`publisherIcon`	Link to your publisher's icon or avatar (optional).
`license`	The license under which your plugin is distributed.
`module`	The path to your plugin's JavaScript module (Please use jsDelivr).

Make sure these settings accurately represent your plugin's purpose and functionality.

#4. Test your plugin

Before publishing your plugin to the marketplace, thoroughly test it to ensure it functions correctly and detects issues as intended.

#5. Publish your plugin

To make your plugin available in the inlang.com marketplace, see Publish on marketplace.

Feel free to join our Discord if you have any questions or need assistance developing and publishing your plugin.