Allow users to set run order of plugins

This is a duplicate of the Flyspray post (http://modxcms.com/bugs/task/293?tasks=reported) in hope that it may generate some thoughts / discussion on a resolution or even work around. Also serves as a heads up to Plugin developers

MODx uses FIFO method which may cause issues for some Plugins

A perfect case is if plugins run before Markdown or Textile can apply (X)HTML tags the Plugin can fail.

For example phpGiggle requires to parse things inside <p> </p> tags. Until Markdown has run they don’t exist therefore phpGiggle fails. (I think Garry has a work around, but it was an issue till then)

As more plugins get developed by the growing user base, the more this will be come a show stopper on further progress as Plugins clash.

Suggestion: Find a way to set the order in which plugins are executed. Even as simple as numbering like the menu order system.

Sorry I’m not a programme so I can’t provide any fixes, just good at finding the issues

Quote from: Briggsy at Mar 01, 2006, 10:13 AM

For example phpGiggle requires to parse things inside <p> </p> tags. Until Markdown has run they don’t exist therefore phpGiggle fails. (I think Garry has a work around, but it was an issue till then)

My workaround isn’t the best in the world but, you’re right, it does work in this case. Basically, I’ve created a combined plugin that first runs Markdown on the document output and then passes that through the phpGiggle parser before outputting to the screen. In this instance, as Markdown is quite a ’light’ plugin, combining the code isn’t too much of a headache.

However if you have more than a few plugins running and need to switch the order around to fit other plugins into the running order then my method would start to get annoying to say the least - and makes it difficult in terms of upgrading.

I think as more plugins are becoming available, a way of sorting the running order is going to be beneficial - perhaps an Ajax MenuIndex for Plugins? Now, that would be nice ...

Cheers, Garry

That really is a good point. I think having an order set for each plugin will be the best way to go.
So any follow up on this actually?