SDK Availability

[northcode]

The plugin SDK is not available for release yet.

We're thinking about implementing a registration system where all plugin developers would receive a unique code that could be embedded in their plugins.

The idea being that SWF Studio would only allow registered plugins to run. The hope is that this would deter people from writing malicious plugins since they could be traced back to the author.

Obviously, such a system can't be made foolproof since the authentication mechanism will be embedded in the player and the plugin and thus open to attack.

We're wondering what you think about the idea? Is it worth implementing? The discussion is now open, post your replies here to shape the future of the plugin SDK.

[mvincent]

That sounds like an excellent idea in a big way I 2nd that motion!!!!!

[Vaughn]

I think that if you are going to have a plugin SDK that you need to give up a certain amount of control on what people make with it, otherwise you may spend enternity trying to make it perfectly secure.

What it comes down to is whether or not you advocate a certain plugin and put it on your site for download.

If I get a plugin from joe schmoe and he makes a malicious plugin, I know I got it from him.

Anybody can make bad software, but to limit the use of an SDK because of the possiblity won't do anybody any good.

I think that if you offer certification for plugins (even for a fee) then we can be assured of what plugins we know are safe, and be careful with the ones that are not certified.

Also, if we can only get certified plugins from your site, it lowers the chances of a modified plugin after certification.

Then if I want to be able to add a plugin then I can do that, and I can use flash to do anything.

-v

[DJ SL]

Hi,
Any idea's when the SDK will be available. What languages will the SDK be compatible with.

Will this feature allow developers greater flexibility by allowing integration with prog languages like VB and C++ Builder.. basically COM based programing.

[josha]

Hi,

What if you have a kind of license that published plugins on the website using the Plugin SDK should be a kind of open source (for example stating that a plugin is only published if it is accompanied with the source files) ?

I hope though the SDK gets released soon, since it offers a way to make very complex and powerfull flash applications...

Josha

[mfrederico]

Of course you won't be able to monitor what kind of plugins people write.

However, if you have a section on your site that shows who is a "registered" plugin developer, then people will be able to make an informed decision about weather or not to trust a certain plugin manufacturer.

That way, you wouldn't have to code (per se) any sort of security mechanism.

Let the people decide, however have a list of "trusted" plugin makers that people can cross reference. And the "trusted" are held accountable for damages blah blah legalese to scare people.

[northcode]

Right. We're not going to try and be "plugin police", but we will provide a place for people to showcase their work. People who build nasty plugins will be blackballed from the list or given their own "special" sections

[mvincent]

i concur 100%, we need this sdk to put swf studio on top...nuff said lets do it and see what you people can create!

Go Team!!!!

[nlaing]

Just a "second that notion". A plugin SDK may even help solve world hunger. A plugin SDK could usher in an era of World Peace. A plugin SDK could cook me dinner... maybe.

-Nate

[mvincent]

No doubt it will put more food on your plate with all those hot new plugin based features. Your ability to create even better feature rich applications will be at your finger tips!

Matty

[dschnell]

Hello,
we are trying to get an update on the release of the SDK.
We are trying to determine whether it is going to be soon.
Thanks in advance,
Don

[jw462769]

Do you have any idea when this will be available or in Beta.

[ni2k]

I wonder what you people are thinkin about....
No need to control plugins users are programming.
If their programming is too bad, no one will use it.
No one needs to use too.
So - why the f... - control???
If u northcode guys wish to push swf-studio forward u don't need no control; but we - the users - need kind of a sdk.
Else swf-studio is just another flash-related mini-app, that makes sense in one of ten thousand cases.
Control makes sense in just one way: the user made plugins, that you northcode guys assume to be good programming should be delivered with future versions of swf-studio o.s.l.t....
So you keep the possibilities open and the all users satisfied.

[mvincent]

I wouldnt worry about that too much bud, I am sur the security debate is long since over. From what I have gathered on this thread that simply NorthCode will post all plugins. But with a catch.

There will be some kind of rating system from users and maybe an independant one from the big guy. Additionally there would be some sort of disclaimer (downloader beware) that if it does not have the stamp of approval from this site is installed at your own risk.

Now this is my perception of the curernt status so it does not come from the horses mouth.

Whats your take NorthCode?

Matty

[jw462769]

All of the other third party tools are coming out with tons of new features monthly. It would be very nice if we could create plugins so that SWF Studio's feature list would grow even faster and with features that people want and will use.

Also, What is the status of the Database plugin???

[mvincent]

No doubt the third party projects out there are coming out with more features. But on the other hand I can name at least one (no name will be mentioned) that has tons of features with No documentation.

This has been a pain in my side and I have asked the developer to document all these features. He has responded usually within a week later sayin don't worry but a month laster and very little progress.

Now you ask me, am I biased and pumping only Northcode. Not at all. I happen to like certain features that are at this point not available with Northcodes product *grins* (hint hint nudge nudge) BUT I will tell you this much. This site has the best supported product ever. When you have a problem and need a solution, Northcode is not only right on top of it, he someitmes provides code examples on the fly or whips out a quick .EXE to help you out with a mission critical app the your company wants you make (I have seen this on other thread on this forum!).

This puts this product in the fore front. Hands down. And because of this, I am patient for new features.

Nuff Said

Matty