Proposal: Implement Plugin Support Feature

[bberka]

Description

Evaluate the implementation of a plugin support feature for the application. This would enable extensibility and customization by allowing developers to create and install plugins without modifying the core codebase.

Why This Feature is a Proposal:

• Increased Complexity: Implementing a plugin system adds complexity to the codebase.
• Security Concerns: Plugins could introduce security vulnerabilities if not properly sandboxed or validated.
• Resource Intensive: Significant time and resources would be required for initial implementation and ongoing maintenance.
• Evaluation Needed: A detailed assessment should be conducted to determine the feasibility, benefits, and drawbacks before proceeding.

Proposed Implementation Details:

1. Plugin API: Define a plugin API that allows plugins to interact with the core application, including methods for:

   • Registering commands or actions
   • Accessing application data (e.g., ticket information, user roles)
   • Interacting with the Discord API (if applicable)

2. Plugin Loading and Management:

   • Implement a plugin manager that can load, unload, enable, and disable plugins.
   • Allow admins to manage plugins through the web UI.
   • Use a directory or file system-based approach for storing plugins.

3. Security:

   • Implement a security sandbox to isolate plugins from the core application.
   • Validate plugins to ensure they do not contain malicious code or violate security policies.

4. Dependency Management: Handle plugin dependencies to ensure that all required libraries and components are available.

5. Versioning: Implement a versioning system to ensure compatibility between plugins and the core application.

6. Documentation: Provide detailed documentation for plugin developers, including examples and best practices.

Assessment Questions:

• Is there a clear demand from users for plugin support?
• What specific use cases would plugins address that are not currently covered by the application?
• Are you willing to invest the time and resources required to implement and maintain a plugin system?
• How will you address the security risks associated with plugins?

Acceptance Criteria:

Before implementation, the following questions should be answered:

• Use cases for plugin support are identified.
• Potential benefits and drawbacks of adding the feature are evaluated and documented.
• Impact on code complexity is assessed.
• If the benefits outweigh the costs, then a detailed implementation plan will be designed.

Priority

Low (Proposal)