A plugin is a C++ library containing a collection of functions that you will be able to use in your Lua script. You can create functions to use any external library you want like off screen rendering, new network protocol, specific parser, augmented reality.
By their nature, the plugin functions are totally out of the game context. They don’t know the AIModel variables, functions, ... : that is the main difference with the native export.(LUA to C++).
Get a plugin
Plug-ins are available through the Stonetrip Store http://www.stonetrip.com/, distributed by Stonetrip or created by users.
Note that a dedicated store will be available soon.
Plug-ins come encapsulated in a STE file, available with or without its sources depending to the distributor.
Plugins are supported on the following platforms : Microsoft Windows, Apple Mac OS X and iOS, Linux, Google Android and Palm webOS.
Use a plugin
Plugin are available directly in ShiVa Editor no matter the edition, once installed, a custom API will be available in the Script Editor.
Export a plugin
Web and Basic edition : can create, compile and test their plugin.
They can only export signed plugin BUT they cannot sign them.
Advanced version : can create, compile, test and sign their plugin.
They can export unsigned plugin but they will only work for standalone player ( all mobile are standalone player) .
They can export signed plugin for the webplayer.
They can also export signed plugin through STE archive so they can freely distribute and sell plugin.
Remember that signature make its owner responsible of the plugin executable ( the signature contains his name and his address verified by Verisign ). So Never sign a plugin that you can't valid.