How do Plugins get their call-phrase?
 

vB3.5

I'm probably just struggling with using the proper terms with the search box, but I'm not having any luck finding this answer.

How exactly is it, that when you import an xml "plugin" to VB that it comes up with the "call-phrase" that it does.

Here's an example of a simple xml plugin file that I loaded to my site.

Now, this is the only file I added to my vB. Yet some how, it nows that when I put $photopost_features in my forumhome template, that it loads the proper php file.

Basically I guess I just need a clarification.

Since the hookname is forumhome_start does that mean that the inc_features.php file is loading up on the page no matter what? Irregardless of the plugin's call-phrase of $photopost_features being listed somewhere in the template?

And because of that, its important to NOT have plugins activated if you aren't using them because they are loading all these files and what not, just waiting to "print" them out on the page once the proper call-phrase appears to make them visible?

Forgive my crappy explanations and question. Not very good at getting my confusion to not sound confusing when I need help. :confused:

Again, all I'm asking here is HOW the system works, not how to get a certain plugin to work here or there. I totally understand all the hook locations, I just don't get how it nows what file to load since nowhere in the xml file does it say anything about THISXXX = THISWWW

it gets it from the inc_features.php.

Since you have that one only on forumhome_start it will only load the included file on the forumhome page

You can place $photopost_features in as many templates as you want, but it will not load unless you've changed the hook location from forumhome_start to something else, If its in the global hook then it'll load every time.

Hope that helps some

Okay, so since it gets it from the inc_features.php, then that means it IS LOADING inc_features.php on the forumhome page irregardless of me remembering to put the $photopost_features phrase in the template or not.

Restate:
Irregardless of $something-something being placed in a template, if the plugin is activated under a specific HOOK location, the file will be "loaded" irregardless of $something-something existing. Its the $something-something that tells it to actually "print" the loaded file to make it viewable?

And thank you for your help.

Yep, the inc_features.php file loads the $photopost_features variable with the content. Putting that in a template will display it on the page, but it gets filled with content even if it's not being used in the templates.