Plugins extend Tadabase functionality with pre-built features and components. Instead of building everything from scratch, plugins provide ready-made solutions for common needs like advanced charts, payment processing, document signing, and more. This article covers the plugin ecosystem, installation, and configuration.

Plugins are add-ons that integrate with Tadabase to provide additional functionality. They're created by Tadabase, partners, or the community and are available through the plugin marketplace.

Component Plugins:

• Add new component types
• Advanced visualizations
• Interactive widgets
• Custom UI elements

Integration Plugins:

• Connect external services
• Payment processors
• Email marketing platforms
• Communication tools

Utility Plugins:

• Helper functions
• Data processing tools
• Automation enhancements
• Workflow utilities

Feature Plugins:

• Complete features
• Document signing
• Advanced search
• Reporting tools

1. Go to App Settings
2. Navigate to "Plugins" or "Marketplace"
3. Browse available plugins
4. View details and documentation
5. Install desired plugins

Visualization:

• Advanced charts (Highcharts, Chart.js)
• Dashboards and KPI widgets
• Data visualization libraries
• Interactive graphs
• Heat maps and specialized charts

Payment & Commerce:

• Stripe integration
• PayPal buttons
• Square payment processing
• Subscription management
• Invoice generation

Communication:

• Twilio SMS integration
• SendGrid email
• Slack notifications
• Video conferencing embeds
• Chat widgets

Documents:

• DocuSign integration
• PDF generation and manipulation
• Document templates
• E-signature capture
• Contract management

Productivity:

• Calendar integrations
• Task management
• File storage connectors
• Scheduling tools
• Time tracking

Marketing:

• Mailchimp integration
• Google Analytics
• Social media connectors
• Marketing automation
• SEO tools

Advanced charting library

Features:

• 50+ chart types
• Interactive visualizations
• Responsive and mobile-friendly
• Export to PNG, JPG, PDF
• Real-time data updates

Use Cases:

• Executive dashboards
• Sales analytics
• Financial reporting
• Performance metrics
• Data exploration

Configuration Example:

{
    chart: {
        type: 'column'
    },
    title: {
        text: 'Monthly Sales'
    },
    xAxis: {
        categories: ['Jan', 'Feb', 'Mar', 'Apr', 'May']
    },
    yAxis: {
        title: {
            text: 'Revenue ($)'
        }
    },
    series: [{
        name: 'Sales',
        data: [50000, 65000, 72000, 68000, 80000]
    }]
}

Payment processing integration

Features:

• Credit card processing
• Subscription billing
• One-time payments
• Customer portal
• Payment history
• Refund management

Use Cases:

• E-commerce transactions
• Membership sites
• Service bookings
• Donation processing
• SaaS billing

Setup Steps:

1. Install Stripe plugin
2. Connect Stripe account
3. Configure payment forms
4. Set up webhooks
5. Test with test keys
6. Switch to live keys

Electronic signature integration

Features:

• Send documents for signature
• Track signing status
• Multiple signers
• Document templates
• Audit trail
• Legal compliance

Use Cases:

• Contract signing
• Employment agreements
• Sales proposals
• NDA processing
• Approval workflows

Workflow:

1. Generate document from template
2. Trigger DocuSign action
3. Signer receives email
4. Signs document electronically
5. Completed document stored in app
6. Automation triggered on completion

SMS messaging integration

Features:

• Send SMS messages
• Receive SMS
• Two-way messaging
• Message templates
• Delivery tracking
• International support

Use Cases:

• Appointment reminders
• Order notifications
• 2FA authentication
• Customer support
• Marketing campaigns

Configuration:

/* Example automation rule */
When: Order Status changes to "Shipped"
Action: Send SMS via Twilio
To: {Customer Phone}
Message: "Your order #{Order Number} has shipped! Track at {Tracking Link}"

Map integration and geolocation

Features:

• Display locations on map
• Address geocoding
• Route planning
• Distance calculations
• Store locator
• Territory mapping

Use Cases:

• Service area mapping
• Delivery routing
• Property listings
• Event locations
• Sales territories

Step 1: Browse Plugins

1. Access plugin marketplace
2. Review available plugins
3. Read descriptions and features
4. Check ratings and reviews
5. View documentation

Step 2: Install

1. Click "Install" button
2. Accept terms and permissions
3. Wait for installation
4. Confirm successful install

Step 3: Configure

1. Access plugin settings
2. Enter API keys if needed
3. Configure options
4. Test functionality
5. Save settings

Step 4: Implement

1. Add plugin components to pages
2. Configure component settings
3. Set up automation if needed
4. Test thoroughly
5. Deploy to production

Plugins may request permissions to:

• Read Data: Access your records
• Write Data: Create or modify records
• API Access: Make external API calls
• User Information: Access user data
• File Access: Read or store files

Review permissions carefully before installing.

Many plugins require API keys from external services:

Example: Stripe Configuration

1. Sign up for Stripe account
2. Get API keys (test and live)
3. Enter keys in plugin settings
4. Test with test mode
5. Switch to live mode when ready

API Key Security:

• Never share API keys publicly
• Use test keys for development
• Rotate keys periodically
• Limit key permissions
• Monitor key usage

Common Settings:

• API Credentials: Keys and secrets
• Webhook URLs: For receiving data
• Display Options: Appearance settings
• Behavior Settings: How plugin functions
• Data Mapping: Connect to your fields

To use plugin components:

1. Go to Page Builder
2. Click "Add Component"
3. Find plugin in component list
4. Drag to page
5. Configure component settings
6. Connect to data sources
7. Preview and test

Use plugins in rules and automation:

Example: Send SMS After Form Submission

Trigger: When record is created in "Contact Requests"
Condition: Phone Number is not empty
Action: Twilio - Send SMS
  To: {Phone Number}
  Message: "Thank you for contacting us! We'll respond within 24 hours."

Example: Process Payment

Trigger: When "Payment Status" = "Pending"
Action: Stripe - Create Payment Intent
  Amount: {Order Total}
  Customer: {Customer Email}
  Description: "Order #{Order Number}"
Result: Update "Payment Status" to "Processing"

Map plugin data to your fields:

Payment Plugin Mapping:
- Plugin "customer_email" → Your "Customer Email" field
- Plugin "amount" → Your "Total" field
- Plugin "transaction_id" → Your "Payment ID" field
- Plugin "status" → Your "Payment Status" field

Before installing:

• Read Documentation: Understand capabilities
• Check Reviews: See what others say
• Verify Support: Ensure help is available
• Test Thoroughly: Try in development first
• Consider Costs: Some plugins have fees
• Check Updates: Ensure active maintenance

Always test plugins:

1. Install in development environment
2. Test all features
3. Verify data handling
4. Check error scenarios
5. Test with real data volume
6. Get user feedback
7. Deploy to production

Plugin maintenance:

• Monitor Performance: Check for slowdowns
• Update Regularly: Install plugin updates
• Review Logs: Check for errors
• Test After Updates: Verify still working
• Document Usage: Note how plugins are used

Plugin Not Appearing:

• Verify installation completed
• Check plugin is enabled
• Refresh browser
• Clear cache
• Check permissions

API Errors:

• Verify API keys correct
• Check key has proper permissions
• Test external service is working
• Review error messages
• Check API usage limits

Data Not Syncing:

• Verify field mapping
• Check webhook configuration
• Review automation rules
• Test with fresh data
• Check service status

Performance Issues:

• Review plugin settings
• Optimize data queries
• Check external service speed
• Consider caching
• Contact plugin support

Consider custom plugins when:

• No existing plugin meets needs
• Unique business requirements
• Proprietary integrations
• Specific workflow needs
• Building for clients/resale

Basic plugin structure:

/* Plugin Manifest */
{
    "name": "My Custom Plugin",
    "version": "1.0.0",
    "description": "Custom functionality",
    "author": "Your Name",
    "requires": ["tadabase-core"],
    "permissions": ["read_data", "write_data"]
}

/* Plugin Code */
(function() {
    // Plugin initialization
    var MyPlugin = {
        init: function() {
            // Setup code
        },

        render: function(container, data) {
            // Component rendering
        },

        handleEvent: function(event) {
            // Event handling
        }
    };

    // Register plugin
    window.TadabasePlugins.register('my-plugin', MyPlugin);
})();

Community-contributed plugins:

• Built by Tadabase community
• Often free or low-cost
• Varying quality and support
• Review carefully before use
• Contribute improvements

Professional plugins with:

• Enterprise features
• Dedicated support
• Regular updates
• Documentation
• Service guarantees

You now understand plugins and how to extend Tadabase functionality. The next article covers creating custom components with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript for maximum flexibility.

Hands-On Exercise (To Be Added)

Exercise placeholders will include practical activities such as:

• Exploring the plugin marketplace
• Installing and configuring a visualization plugin
• Setting up a payment plugin
• Creating automation with plugins

Knowledge Check (To Be Added)

Quiz questions will test understanding of:

• Plugin types and categories
• Installation and configuration
• When to use plugins vs custom development
• Plugin security and best practices