Plugins are software modules that enable more features on a forum. Having to many Plugins though can mean a bad guy has more backdoors available to gain access to your website files. When I decide to choose which Plugins I want to install on my forum, I have to keep in mind that if I use a particular forum software such as MyBB, PhpBB, or SMF(Simple Machines Forum), I need to use Plugins or modules that are developed for that particular forum software. Speaking of “development,” Plugins are created by Plugins Authors, or also referred to as Plugins Developers. These Developers usually create Plugins that are either free, meaning that any user of the particular forum software is able to download and install the Plugins, or the Developer creates a Plugin that cost the user a monetary amount of money, by either electronic transactions such as Paypal or Bitcoin, or another form of transferring cash through the internet. Developers will usually create a plugin with a license like most software is created with, which is sort of like a contract between the developer and the user of the plugin or module. These license usages might contain restrictions such as not removing the copyright notice in the footer of the forum for the plugin, or not distributing the plugin to any third party user. I usually will install just enough plugins to match the needs of my forum and community. If a plugin is not needed, I do not use it. Most plugins will either have to be uploaded to the server via an FTP (File Transfer Protocol) client, or straight from the administrative (admin) panel of the forum. There are many Plugins which enhance security or provide entertainment for the community on the forums. Some Plugins create an arcade system for the members of a forum, which provide the community with fun and games possibly earning points, cash, or other prizes. Some Plugins may provide cosmetic changes to the forum itself, such as the structure and theme of the forum software. Even themes themselves for forums, need their own plugins to operate effectively and correctly. These plugins may be simple language files which contain variables that are accessible by other files stored on the server or database. On certain forums, an administrator might need a Plugins that enhance the moderation tools of the forum. These custom moderator tools allow the forum moderator to use additional forum tools to moderate the forum and enhance both back end and front end security. Plugins can be extremely useful as electronic software utilities that help to run a smooth operative forum. Before downloading and installing a Plugin, I usually take some time to read the “readme or “read me” file” that is usually included in the download package. These readme files provide additional insight into the usage, installation, updating, and function of the plugin. Some of the most popular types of Plugins are usually;
– Points Plugin (forum currency that can be used to purchase things such as additional member features for the forum)
– Alert Plugin (to alert forum members of new posts, replies, topics, threads, private messages (pm), or reputation)
– Security Question Plugin (security questions are used to help prevent spam bots from registering on a forum by forcing a question on new registrants)
Discussion Topic: What are Plugins?
