Tech Tip: Where to Put Plug-ins in 4D 2004

PRODUCT: 4D | VERSION: 2004 | PLATFORM: Mac OS X

Published On: September 23, 2004

In 4D 2004, there are two locations the plug-ins can be placed: at the same level as the structure file or at the same level as the 4D application. Plug-ins are put in the Mac4DX/Win4DX folder as before, or in the new Plugins folder depending on its location. If you want to put the plug-ins at the same level as the 4D application, it must be in the Plugins folder and provided as packages (.bundle). Putting the plug-ins in the Mac4DX/Win4DX will work only if they are placed next to the structure file. On a Mac, the location of the Plugins folder is located in the Contents folder of the 4D application package and in Windows, it is located at the same level as the 4D application. Plug-ins placed at the same level as the structure file can also be placed in the Plugins folder as packages or in the Mac4DX/Win4DX folder. The scope of the plug-in depends on where it is located. If it is located at the same level as the structure file, it can only be accessed within that database. And if it is located at the same level as the application, it is accessible by any database opened by the application.

Commented by Randy Shepherd on December 18, 2009 at 9:32 AM

With regard to Client-Server installations, is there ever any need to put a plugin on the client machine? What if the client machine is used as a development box and there happens to be the same plugin installed on the client? Which plugin is loaded? Can they both be loaded when the 4D Client is being used, or will the one on the 4D Server always be used as a default? What if there is an old version of the Plugin on the 4D Client computer (i.e.- SuperReport in the MAC4DX folder) and a new version of the same plugin on the 4D Server (i.e. - SuperReport loaded as a bundle on the 4D Server). What issues if any can one expect to encounter?

Commented by Thomas Fitch on September 2, 2009 at 3:43 PM

This information also applies in 4D v11 SQL. The plug-ins can either be stored at the structure level per database or at the application level for all databases opened with the specific application.