Official definitions of "hack" categories.
 

Many of the hacks residing in "plugins" right now require an "installer" file to be uploaded, and/or some queries be made to alter the database.

Queries to alter the database can be run from the admincp. Does that fall under plugin? Do queries matter?

You make a good point... :) What do you think? Remember, these definitions are not set in stone and are fluid.

My opinion is that such plugins will still be plugins since the installer strictly speaking is adding only templates, phrases and queries, which are all doable in the AdminCP. :)

But that's what I think... remember, these are in the end artificial classifications, and are meant to help us, not confuse us! :)

can these be moved to extensions please

Reset most users online from the AdminCP
Import/Export BBCodes
Custom Template Manager 0.3 (import, export, mass copy, mass delete)
Read PMs
View XML 0.2
JavaScript Tester Console

and I think database changes should be considered code changes, unless database changes are categorized aswell.

edit: and this is not a plugin vBulletin Google Site Map
edit: this is not a plugin either Multiple Option BBCode
edit: not a plugin, has db changes whodownloaded this attachment
edit: not a plugin, has db changes Attachments in private messages

It could go either way, just thought the definition should eventually decide the case.

IMHO, query alterations is an added complexity level for a plugin beyond adding a template or a phrase.

Strictly speaking, I think there are ways one could add a plugin to upload php files on the ./temp directory or other writable directories, so they won't require FTP access, but that would streaching the definition too much :)

What about hacks that integrate vB with other systems, and require code changes to non vB files ? I classed mine as a code change, because file edits are required, just not to source vb files. :)

I would consider it a hack addon and an extension - basically since no vB source code is changed, your hack does not actually make it difficult to upgrade or affect official vB.com support. :)

That forum is not displaying things as hacks or installable - can you fix that please.

I don't believe dB changes affect vB support like modifying files, but I could be very wrong on that. Erwin?

Adding to the dB can be tricky to classify as adding tables are not (IMO) the same issue as adding to tables, but my preference would be to put dB mods with the plugins and not in with code changes.

Except for the DB discussion, I'm happy with it! Nice work.

My point of view is: DB changes don't matter....

I think these kind of mods should be called extensions, since they do require file uploads.

Soft Deleted Archive is an Extension. Could you move it, please? :)