hi
What is a plugin & why it is used? can someone explain it to me

Plugin is a small piece of software (sometimes hardware) that adds new functions to a programs. For example there are Java or Shockwave Flash plugins for Mozilla or Netscape.

Why is it used? Plugin support build in an application allows other people to create new functions without modifying the orginal code. It's simplier to write a plugin than to change the program.

In general, a plugin is simply a new feature for a program. For example, there are visualization plugins for XMMS. They are not required for listening, but when 'pluged in' and used, they offer eye candy. Another example, is GAIM. Each prototcol is simply another plug in. So you download and install the MSN plugin for example, and you can then use the plugin to IM to MSN people. Plugins and Plugin support allow for expanded functionality that anyone can create. If I create a program with a common plugin API, then others can create the extra features. It is also a way to modularize the program. For example, if XMMS or others had to be recompiled to use a new feature, and the new feature didn't work, then XMMS wouldn't work. This way, I can remove 'broken' plugins quickly and easily.

RO