[gmpi] Re: 3.11 topic: Dynamic plugin structure



Tim Hockin wrote:

On Wed, Apr 28, 2004 at 11:16:57AM -0600, Mike Berry wrote:

- Are hosts required to accomodate parameter list changes without plugin reinstantiation? 


Probably not.  There probably will be a way for the host to NAK a change
like that.  Ron wants it, I don't see a problem with it.


- Is parameter list change a plugin initiated event? If so, I am worried, but I will wait on those worries until I know the answer. 


It only makes sense from the plugin.  Unless we go to a fully modular
mechanism (where modules are defined a priori), the host doesn't know a
what is a valid parameter list vs. an invalid one.

What are the concerns?

My worries have to do with the assumption on the user's part that data will be preserved across what is, for the host, a switch to a new plugin. For example:

- Plugin has 3 parameters. The user creates some automation for them.
- The user switch the parameter list, so that now there are 4 parameters, where the first 2 have the same characteristics as before the change, and the second 2 are completely new.

The user may well expect for the automation from the first two parameters be preserved. But this can get rather nasty from the host point of view. We have no concept of "orphan" automation tracks, as Sonar apparently does, and adding it would be a major feature. And I can see some reattachment issue there too.

So my real goal is to design it in such a way that the user assumes that this is a NEW plugin after this change, and they should not expect anything to be preserved (though individual hosts may choose to preserve as a feature). So I am worried if this is initiated in the plugin, because then the host can't make sure that the user gets the right impression. I.e. I would prefer that the user make a switch in the host as opposed to pressing a button in the plugin.


--
Mike Berry
Adobe Systems


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