Plugin Management

Learn how to install, manage, and use plugins to extend ElasticView's functionality.

What are Plugins?

Plugins are extensions that add new features and capabilities to ElasticView. They can provide:

• Custom data visualizations
• New data source connectors
• Additional analysis tools
• Integration with third-party services
• Custom dashboards and reports

Plugin Sources

Official Plugin Market

Browse and install plugins from the official plugin marketplace:

• Built-in Market: Access via the "Plugin Market" menu
• Verified Plugins: All plugins are tested and verified
• Auto Updates: Automatic updates for installed plugins

Local Installation

Install plugins from local files:

• Upload .zip plugin packages
• Install from local directories
• Development and testing plugins

Installing Plugins

From Plugin Market

1. Access Plugin Market

   • Navigate to "Plugin Market" in the main menu
   • Browse available plugins by category
   • Use search to find specific plugins

2. Install Plugin

   • Click on a plugin to view details
   • Review features, compatibility, and ratings
   • Click "Install" to add the plugin
   • Wait for installation to complete

3. Activate Plugin

   • Installed plugins appear in "Plugin Management"
   • Toggle the switch to activate/deactivate
   • Some plugins may require configuration

Local Upload

1. Access Plugin Management

   • Go to "System Settings" → "Plugin Management"
   • Click "Upload Plugin" button

2. Upload Plugin File

   • Select the plugin .zip file
   • Wait for upload and installation
   • Check installation status

3. Configure Plugin

   • Set required configuration parameters
   • Test plugin functionality
   • Save configuration

Managing Plugins

Plugin Management Interface

The plugin management interface provides:

• Installed Plugins List: View all installed plugins
• Status Control: Enable/disable plugins
• Configuration: Access plugin settings
• Updates: Manage plugin updates
• Removal: Uninstall plugins

Plugin Status

Active Plugins

• ✅ Enabled: Plugin is active and functional
• 🔄 Loading: Plugin is starting up
• ⚠️ Warning: Plugin has minor issues
• ❌ Error: Plugin failed to load

Plugin Actions

• Enable/Disable: Toggle plugin status
• Configure: Access plugin settings
• Update: Install plugin updates
• Uninstall: Remove plugin completely

Auto-Updates

Configure automatic plugin updates:

plugins:
  auto_update: true
  update_check_interval: "24h"
  update_channel: "stable"  # stable, beta, dev

Plugin Configuration

General Settings

Most plugins support these common settings:

• Enable/Disable: Control plugin activation
• Display Name: Custom name for the plugin
• Description: Plugin description
• Priority: Loading order priority

Plugin-Specific Settings

Each plugin may have unique configuration options:

Data Source Plugins

• Connection parameters
• Authentication credentials
• Query limits and timeouts
• Data refresh intervals

Visualization Plugins

• Chart types and styles
• Color schemes and themes
• Animation settings
• Export formats

Integration Plugins

• API endpoints and keys
• Webhook configurations
• Notification settings
• Sync intervals

Popular Plugin Categories

Data Sources

• MySQL Connector: Connect to MySQL databases
• PostgreSQL Connector: PostgreSQL database integration
• MongoDB Connector: NoSQL database support
• Redis Connector: Redis cache integration
• API Connector: REST API data sources

Visualizations

• Advanced Charts: Additional chart types
• Geographic Maps: Location-based visualizations
• Real-time Dashboards: Live data displays
• Custom Widgets: Specialized display components
• Export Tools: Data export capabilities

Analytics

• Statistical Analysis: Advanced statistical functions
• Machine Learning: ML model integration
• Forecasting: Predictive analytics
• Anomaly Detection: Automated anomaly identification
• Report Generator: Automated reporting

Integrations

• Slack Integration: Slack notifications and alerts
• Email Notifications: Email alert system
• Webhook Triggers: HTTP webhook support
• API Gateway: External API management
• SSO Providers: Single sign-on integration

Plugin Development

Creating Custom Plugins

For organizations with specific needs:

1. Development Environment

   • Set up the plugin development kit
   • Follow the plugin API documentation
   • Use the provided templates and examples

2. Plugin Structure

   my-plugin/
   ├── plugin.yaml      # Plugin manifest
   ├── main.js          # Plugin entry point
   ├── config.json      # Configuration schema
   ├── assets/          # Static assets
   └── templates/       # UI templates

3. Testing and Deployment

   • Test in development environment
   • Package as .zip file
   • Deploy to production

Plugin API

Key APIs available to plugins:

• Data API: Access to data sources and queries
• UI API: User interface components and themes
• Event API: System events and notifications
• Storage API: Plugin data persistence
• Security API: Authentication and authorization

Troubleshooting

Common Issues

Plugin Won't Install

• Check plugin compatibility
• Verify file format and integrity
• Review system requirements
• Check available storage space

Plugin Fails to Load

• Review plugin logs
• Check configuration settings
• Verify dependencies
• Test with minimal configuration

Performance Issues

• Monitor resource usage
• Disable unnecessary plugins
• Update to latest versions
• Optimize plugin configuration

Plugin Logs

Access plugin logs for debugging:

1. System Logs

   • Go to "System Settings" → "Logs"
   • Filter by plugin name
   • Review error messages

2. Plugin-Specific Logs

   • Check plugin management interface
   • Review plugin status messages
   • Export logs for analysis

Getting Help

• Documentation: Check plugin documentation
• Community: Join the ElasticView community forum
• Support: Contact plugin developers
• Issues: Report bugs on GitHub

Best Practices

Plugin Selection

• Choose plugins from trusted developers
• Read reviews and ratings
• Check compatibility requirements
• Consider maintenance and support

Security

• Only install plugins from verified sources
• Review plugin permissions
• Keep plugins updated
• Monitor plugin activity

Performance

• Limit the number of active plugins
• Monitor system resource usage
• Disable unused plugins
• Regular performance testing

Maintenance

• Regular updates and patches
• Backup configurations before changes
• Test plugins in development first
• Monitor plugin logs regularly

Next Steps

• Plugin Development Guide - Create your own plugins
• API Documentation - Plugin development API
• Plugin Market - Browse available plugins
• Configuration Guide - System configuration