Where are the plugins stored!?!

[Schnapsy]

While updating my plugins and then adapting some language files, I have noticed that some (old?) plugins were stored under "C: \ .. \ ProgramFiles\OpenCPN \ plugins \" and that others were stored in " C: \ Users \ ... \ Local \ opencpn \ plugins \ ".

I thus have duplicate plugins (Logbook, VDR, OtCurrent, OesENC, etc.) in each directory...

Which directory should we focus on and where will the updated plugins be stored ???

[rgleason]

Originally Posted by Schnapsy

While updating my plugins and then adapting some language files, I have noticed that some (old?) plugins were stored under "C: \ .. \ ProgramFiles\OpenCPN \ plugins \" and that others were stored in " C: \ Users \ ... \ Local \ opencpn \ plugins \ ".
I thus have duplicate plugins (Logbook, VDR, OtCurrent, OesENC, etc.) in each directory...
Which directory should we focus on and where will the updated plugins be stored ???

Schnapsy, we don't need flags really... For Windows

You can read here: https://github.com/leamas/OpenCPN/wi...allation-paths

Old Plugin Installer (PI) plugins when installed, land here
Internal and External Plugin dll: C:\Program Files (x86)\OpenCPN 5.2.4\plugins (for example)
Data: C:\ProgramData\opencpn\plugins

New Plugin Manager (PM) External plugins when installed, land here
External Plugin dll: %localappdata%\opencpn\plugins
Alternative for External plugin dll: C:\Users\[User]\AppData\Local\opencpn\plugins
Internal Plugin dll stay at C:\Program Files (x86)\OpenCPN 5.2.4\plugins
Data: C:\ProgramData\opencpn\plugins (same)

[rgleason]

This has been added to FAQ


https://opencpn.org/wiki/dokuwiki/do...plugins_stored

[Schnapsy]

Rick,

Thank you for this detailed response.
This is an information that I was not aware of, since I am simply updating OpenCPN as and when.

I think that it is indeed very judicious to add this information in the FAQ, bravo for your reactivity!

On the other hand, I do a quick off-topic: I don't understand this expression "Schnapsy, we don't need flags really ... For Windows".

[rgleason]

Thanks for asking the question!

[fgd3]

Originally Posted by Schnapsy

On the other hand, I do a quick off-topic: I don't understand this expression "Schnapsy, we don't need flags really ... For Windows".

I didn't understand it either until I looked at your original message with the white flag waving emoticon. Perhaps he meant Windows isn't so complicated as to require an indication of surrender.

[Hakan]

@All..
If not obvious just some more experiences:
PI: Plugin installed the "old fashioned way".
PM: Plugin installed by the Plugin manager.

There can very well be plugins installed at the PI directory also while the same plugin is installed by the Plugin Manager.
OCPN will priority the PM plugin if both are present.

So, if you want to use the PI plugin instead do uninstall the PM version by the Plugin manager at Options->Plugins. You'll notice the plugin PI version designation will be like 5.1 while a PM version will have also the patch designation like: 5.1.4
When you want to return to a PM version do update the plugin catalog and install it.
Håkan

[rgleason]

Hakan thanks. Have updated and consolidated FAQ Where are plugins stored?
to reference the manual Where are PM and PI plugins stored?
Also added this section from your post PM and PI Use and clarified and improved the Plugin Documentation, I hope.

[Schnapsy]

Originally Posted by Hakan

PI: Plugin installed the "old fashioned way".
PM: Plugin installed by the Plugin manager.

Thank you Hakan for these explanations.
Finally, my question was not that stupid, especially when we update OpenCPN systematically, without going to read the faq each time ...

Originally Posted by Hakan

There can very well be plugins installed at the PI directory also while the same plugin is installed by the Plugin Manager.
OCPN will priority the PM plugin if both are present.

This is exactly what I had noticed and found the plugins in their new storage, when I wanted to make some changes.

Originally Posted by Hakan

So, if you want to use the PI plugin instead do uninstall the PM version by the Plugin manager at Options->Plugins.
Håkan

Yes and no.
If I understood correctly (and this is in the general interest), the basic trend is more towards PM plugins than PI plugins.
So, in this case, it is better to take good habits and give preference to PM plugins.

[Hakan]

re: "If I understood correctly (and this is in the general interest), the basic trend is more towards PM plugins than PI plugins.
So, in this case, it is better to take good habits and give preference to PM plugins."

Yes, the new plugin manager, PM, would be the case for all normal use. Easy install and check for updates.

To use plugins installed the PI way is from now on only necessary if desired plugin is not yet available for the plugin manager or if you want to install own built plugins for development or other test occasions.
Håkan