Plugin Packaging

Plugins & Plugin Development General Plugin Discussion
1

Hi All,

Where is the documentation for how to package the xml and json files into a packaged plugin?

Thanks,
Lincoln

2

Not sure what you mean, are you trying to publish a plugin to the marketplace? Here is a list of links that MCV has provided for developing plugins: http://forum.micasaverde.com/index.php/topic,17300.0.html

There’s a ton of other great resources all around this forum.

3

I just updated the above link:

You will find what you are looking for at:
http://wiki.micasaverde.com/index.php/Apps.mios_Developer's_Guide

4

Hi Richard,

The page is a great start, couple of questions.

  1. Is it possible to create a plugin that does not create a device when it’s installed. For example, I’m working on a Garage Door device, which better implements the Fortrezz MIMOlite device (i.e. it combines both the relay and sensor input into a single device that allows you to control the door and and see it’s state). There would be two ways to use the plugin. First, change the device file for an existing instance of the MIMOlite device (this is how I developed the plugin on my system). Second, have the device (plugin files) automatically used by Vera when a MIMOlite device is added (right now it defaults to the basic binary switch), but I’m not sure how to accomplish that in the Vera.

  2. Is it possible to include icon files in the plugin. If not, what’s the best way to supply them with the plugin?

  3. If icons are added via the plugin install, will this fix the issue where they don’t show up when viewing the Vera through remote portal (i.e. not on my home network), or is this a known bug?

Cheers,
Lincoln

5
  1. Not that I know of.

2), 3) You can add icon files … Then they are only accessible when used locally. You can references icons from your public server … but then it requires internet access.

Look at the Day or Night Plugin for an example of local icons.

6

Hi Richard,

The URL based icons make sense now, and are probably exactly the right way to go, since 95% of the time both the Vera unit and remote control points will will Internet access.

So, recommendations on a standardize approach for where online to store the 3 icon image files? The Wiki, private website, etc?

Also, for the first question, setting the plugin to “invisible” seems to at least give reasonable behavior, i.e. don’t create a “useless” device when the plugin is installed. I does create a device, and use up an ID number, but it doesn’t show up in the dashboard, etc.

Cheers,
Lincoln

7

I think folks put this on their own servers. I leave mine on Vera. I hope MCV fixes the limitation of remotely accessing icons.

8

I put my icons on futzle dot com, which I own.