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What is a Joomla plugin?

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What is a Joomla plugin? At its simplest, a Joomla plugin is simply a PHP program that executes within the Joomla execution cycle. These are called events and are triggered from within the Joomla core. They are usually written in order to perform a specific task, or subset of tasks behind the scenes.

Think of a guitar and effects pedal. This pedal performs one task very well and is placed within the chain of events triggered by the Joomla core. The events are diverted for processing by the plugin before being output.

Without the plugin (or ‘effects pedal’):

  • Guitarist plays chord
  • Sound is output through the amplifier

With the plugin (or ‘effects pedal’):

  • Guitarist plays chord
  • Chord is diverted to the effects pedal for some serious overdrive
  • Processed sound is output through the amp.

This chain of events is the concept behind many of the most popular plugins, from social icons added to articles before the article is output to the user, to Google Maps being added to a custom HTML module.

How does this differ to modules and components?

Components are easily the most extensive additions. They add brand new functionality to your website, handling both data manipulation, display and processing. They can add features such as ecommerce, although it is important to note that they often come with a fleet of their own plugins, in order to achieve full functionality.

Modules are exactly that - a modular addition to a separate part of the system. Think of a blog component, such as Easyblog - there’s a module available that will display the latest blog posts on another page.

What is a Joomla plugin? Simply, a behind the scenes, transparent method of performing alterations and additions to core Joomla programming.


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