A Plugin API for the IDE

[p.colbert]

So that our dear friends at Anvil don’t have to do everything themselves…

[divyeshlakhotia]

Not sure what you exactly mean by that. Would you mind explaining?

[p.colbert]

A way for us to extend the Anvil IDE, by plugging in our own extensions. The API would govern how and when the IDE calls our extensions.

This way, when we want new features in the IDE, we can code them ourselves, and not foist the real work off on our dear friends at Anvil.

This would not work for some kinds of improvements, but could work very nicely for others, depending on how the IDE operates internally.

[ianb]

So kind of like how back in the day @stucork came up with a solution for dark mode that was eventually replaced by beta features.

[DONE] Dark theme for Anvil IDE - code editors

It’s a matter of preference, but there is a difference between @stucork 's solution and force dark mode, his custom coded solution can be toggled on and off easily using the dark reader extension, and using stylus, has the ability to continue to let you see the anvil app as others would see it while designing. Anvil IDE Example screenshots: Force Dark Mode (enabled, with no specifics) [image] @stucork Method: [image]

But I’m guessing @p.colbert , you want something more standardized, or some kind of official plugin API/SDK that plays nice with the anvil IDE?

Sounds like a neat idea.

[p.colbert]

@ianb

some kind of official plugin API/SDK that plays nice with the anvil IDE

A bit stronger than “plays nice with”. I have had dozens of C libraries that “play nice” with each other because they don’t interact at all. I’m suggesting an API that would let the IDE collaborate with plug-ins, to achieve features and effects of benefit to the developer.

The advantage being, that Anvil’s developers wouldn’t have to spend time developing and debugging those features and effects. That effort gets diffused into the much larger developer community.

[ianb]

I guess what I’m asking is, would this be part of anvil? Or just make it so extensions can be built for the IDE, that like could be added to available Firefox or Chrome extensions (I think its called ‘Chrome Web Store’ ) ?

[p.colbert]

In order to

@ianb

make it so extensions can be built for the IDE

the API would have to be part of the IDE. Each extension would be optional, and likely supplied by third-parties (e.g., you).

Firefox, Chrome, Edge, and NoteCase Pro are all extensible in this way.

[mark.breuss]

That would be amazing!

[nathanguyette]

A million times agreed. Would really supercharge the platform!

[chad63e]

Yes, something similar to how you can install “Plugin” in VS Code. I’d love to be able to use things like TabNine or Copilot. It would be amazing if it were actually compatible with already available VS Code (or other IDE) plugins to help users on Anvil feel more at home with the way they develop on their own system.