What is a plugin: general information

Software products do not fully meet the needs of users. But it is not rational to create multifunctional applications.

Here’s why:

• The cost of developing and maintaining such a product will be high, leading to exorbitant prices for ordinary users.
• The more voluminous the application, the more bugs are hiding in it. It is impossible to test such a program, which affects the stability of operation and the appearance of fatal errors.
• The large number of buttons and controls makes it difficult for users to work with the application: it’s difficult to find the necessary function or perform an action.

These factors provoked the emergence of extensions.

So, a plugin (extension, add-on) – is a subroutine that extends the basic functionality of the application. The user chooses and installs extensions independently, depending on the purpose and specifics of using the product.

Add-ons for your computer

Programs can be modified. The only difference is the nature of the upgrade. It can be updates, patches, mods and plug-ins. There are many applications on the PC that support extensions. Let’s look at the main categories of software that can be functionally extended.

Text and graphics editors. Products such as Adobe Photoshop, Microsoft Office, etc. support the installation of additional options. Typically, these are specialized tools for creating special graphic design or data formatting.
Development environments. To simplify the work of programmers special plug-ins have been created, which significantly simplify and speed up the process of code writing. This feature has Visual Studio, Eclipse, Brackets, clients for WordPress. For example, the Emmet add-on greatly speeds up the process of writing code and minimizes the probability of making syntax errors.
ERP-systems. Everyone has heard of 1C developers. So they are engaged in writing plug-ins (tools) for the general ledger. Moreover, the company itself can order the development of the necessary add-on for immediate needs.
Game lunchers. Extensions in them perform a statistical function, with which gamers find out “who is cooler” and monitor the game progress.

But it is in browsers that plug-ins have gained the most popularity, so let’s see what additional functionality they can offer the average Internet user.

Browser Extensions

This is a real boon for active Internet users. For example, downloading audio and video directly from social networks, implement plugins. Avast! add-ons are designed to monitor the safety of surfing the web and make recommendations on how to access resources. For those who like to shop online, Quicksearch has solutions that help you find and compare prices for identical products in other marketplaces in two clicks. And ad blocker AdBlock can help make your life easier.

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