Skip to main content

Managing Plugins

This guide covers how to manage plugins in the Talawa Admin Panel, including installation, activation, and monitoring.

Accessing Plugin Management​

  1. Navigate to Admin Panel: Log into the Talawa Admin Panel
  2. Go to Plugins Section: Click on "Plugins" in the main navigation
  3. View Plugin Store: You'll see the Plugin Store with available plugins

Plugin Store Overview​

The Plugin Store displays:

  • Available Plugins: Plugins that can be installed
  • Installed Plugins: Plugins currently on your system
  • Plugin Status: Active, inactive, or error states
  • Plugin Details: Description, version, and compatibility information

Installing Plugins​

Step 1: Browse Available Plugins​

  1. View Plugin List: See all available plugins in the store
  2. Read Plugin Details: Click on a plugin to view:
    • Description and features
    • Version information
    • Compatibility requirements
    • Author and license information

Step 2: Install Plugin​

  1. Click Install: Select the plugin you want to install
  2. Confirm Installation: Review the plugin details and confirm
  3. Wait for Installation: The system will:
    • Download plugin files
    • Validate plugin manifest
    • Set up database tables (if required)
    • Register GraphQL schema extensions

Step 3: Verify Installation​

  1. Check Plugin Status: The plugin should appear in "Installed Plugins"
  2. Review Plugin Details: Verify the plugin information is correct
  3. Test Functionality: Navigate to the plugin's pages to ensure it works

Activating Plugins​

Enable a Plugin​

  1. Find Installed Plugin: Locate the plugin in the "Installed Plugins" section
  2. Click Activate: Toggle the plugin status to "Active"
  3. Wait for Activation: The system will:
    • Register plugin components
    • Initialize plugin functionality
    • Add navigation items (if applicable)

Verify Activation​

  1. Check Status: Plugin should show "Active" status
  2. Test Navigation: Look for new menu items in the navigation drawer
  3. Access Plugin Pages: Navigate to the plugin's routes to test functionality

Plugin Status Types​

Active​

  • Plugin is fully functional
  • All components are registered and available
  • Plugin appears in navigation and is accessible

Inactive​

  • Plugin is installed but not enabled
  • Components are not registered
  • Plugin does not appear in navigation

Error​

  • Plugin failed to load or activate
  • Error details are displayed
  • Plugin is automatically deactivated for safety

Managing Plugin Settings​

View Plugin Details​

  1. Click on Plugin: Select any installed plugin
  2. View Information:
    • Plugin name and version
    • Description and features
    • Installation date
    • Current status
    • Error messages (if any)

Plugin Configuration​

Some plugins may require configuration:

  1. Access Settings: Look for a "Settings" or "Configure" button
  2. Enter Configuration: Provide required API keys, URLs, or settings
  3. Save Configuration: Apply the settings to activate the plugin
  4. Test Configuration: Verify the plugin works with the new settings

Troubleshooting Plugins​

Common Issues​

Plugin Won't Install​

  • Check Compatibility: Ensure the plugin is compatible with your Talawa version
  • Verify Dependencies: Some plugins require specific dependencies
  • Check Permissions: Ensure you have admin permissions
  • Review Logs: Check system logs for error details

Plugin Won't Activate​

  • Check Requirements: Verify all plugin requirements are met
  • Review Configuration: Ensure plugin is properly configured
  • Check Database: Verify database tables are created correctly
  • Test GraphQL: Check if GraphQL schema is registered properly

Plugin Shows Error Status​

  • Read Error Message: Check the specific error details
  • Review Logs: Look for detailed error information
  • Check Dependencies: Ensure all required services are running
  • Contact Support: If issues persist, contact plugin developer

Debugging Steps​

  1. Check Plugin Logs: Review plugin-specific error messages
  2. Verify GraphQL Schema: Test GraphQL operations in the playground
  3. Check Database: Verify plugin tables exist and are accessible
  4. Test Components: Try accessing plugin pages directly
  5. Review Network: Check for network or connectivity issues

Uninstalling Plugins​

Deactivate First​

  1. Deactivate Plugin: Set plugin status to "Inactive"
  2. Verify Deactivation: Ensure plugin components are no longer active
  3. Test System: Verify core system functionality is not affected

Uninstall Plugin​

  1. Click Uninstall: Select the plugin and choose "Uninstall"
  2. Confirm Uninstallation: Review the consequences and confirm
  3. Choose Data Handling:
    • Keep Data: Plugin data remains in database
    • Remove Data: Plugin data is deleted (irreversible)

Verify Uninstallation​

  1. Check Plugin List: Plugin should no longer appear in installed plugins
  2. Verify Cleanup: Ensure plugin components are removed
  3. Test System: Verify no broken references remain

Plugin Updates​

Automatic Updates​

Some plugins may support automatic updates:

  1. Check for Updates: Look for update notifications
  2. Review Changes: Read the changelog for the new version
  3. Update Plugin: Click "Update" to install the new version
  4. Verify Update: Test the plugin after updating

Manual Updates​

For plugins without automatic updates:

  1. Download New Version: Get the updated plugin files
  2. Uninstall Current Version: Remove the existing plugin
  3. Install New Version: Install the updated plugin
  4. Migrate Data: If needed, migrate any existing data

Best Practices​

Before Installing​

  1. Read Documentation: Review plugin documentation and requirements
  2. Check Compatibility: Ensure plugin works with your Talawa version
  3. Backup Data: Create a backup before installing major plugins
  4. Test in Development: Try the plugin in a development environment first

After Installing​

  1. Test Functionality: Verify all plugin features work correctly
  2. Configure Settings: Set up any required configuration
  3. Train Users: Educate users on how to use the new plugin
  4. Monitor Performance: Watch for any performance impacts

Regular Maintenance​

  1. Check Plugin Status: Regularly review plugin status and errors
  2. Update Plugins: Keep plugins updated to the latest versions
  3. Review Permissions: Ensure plugin permissions are appropriate
  4. Clean Up: Remove unused plugins to reduce system complexity

Security Considerations​

Plugin Permissions​

  • Review Permissions: Understand what permissions each plugin requires
  • Limit Access: Only grant necessary permissions to plugins
  • Monitor Usage: Watch for unusual plugin activity

Data Privacy​

  • Review Data Handling: Understand how plugins handle your data
  • Check Privacy Policy: Review plugin privacy policies
  • Secure Configuration: Use secure methods for storing API keys and credentials

System Security​

  • Keep Plugins Updated: Regular updates include security patches
  • Monitor Logs: Watch for security-related errors or warnings
  • Report Issues: Report security concerns to plugin developers

Getting Help​

Plugin Documentation​

  • Read Plugin Docs: Most plugins include detailed documentation
  • Check Examples: Look for usage examples and tutorials
  • Review FAQs: Check for common questions and solutions

Community Support​

  • Plugin Forums: Many plugins have community forums
  • GitHub Issues: Report bugs or request features on GitHub
  • Developer Contact: Reach out to plugin developers directly

System Support​

  • Talawa Documentation: Check the main Talawa documentation
  • Community Forums: Ask questions in the Talawa community
  • Professional Support: Contact Talawa support for system issues

This guide provides comprehensive information for managing plugins effectively and safely in your Talawa installation.