Improvements for PluginReferenceAttribute and making life easier for developers#13

Enhanced PluginReferenceAttribute Proposal

I propose refining the PluginReferenceAttribute by extending its functionalities in the following ways:

1. Introducing Minimum Version Requirement:

• Functionality:
  • Allow the specification of a minimum version of the dependent plugin when utilizing the attribute.
• Consequence:
  • If the installed plugin has a version below the specified one, the parent plugin should be automatically disabled.
• User Feedback:
  • Generate an informative message for the user. This message should detail that the version of the dependent plugin doesn’t meet the required standards.

2. Mandatory Plugin Requirement:

• New Argument:
  • Incorporate a third bool argument in the attribute, determining whether the dependent plugin is mandatory for the parent plugin’s operation.
• Behavior if True:
  • If this argument is set to true and the dependent plugin is either missing or its version doesn’t meet the requirements, the parent plugin should be disabled.
• Behavior if False:
  • If the argument is set to false, the parent plugin can continue to operate, albeit with limited functionality. Additionally, a warning should indicate that certain features might not function correctly due to the absence of the dependent plugin.

using System;

namespace Oxide.Plugins
{
    [AttributeUsage(AttributeTargets.Property | AttributeTargets.Field)]
    public class PluginReferenceAttribute : Attribute
    {
        public string Name { get; }
        public string MinimumVersion { get; }
        public bool IsRequired { get; }

        public PluginReferenceAttribute(string name, string minimumVersion = null, bool isRequired = false)
        {
            Name = name;
            MinimumVersion = minimumVersion;
            IsRequired = isRequired;
        }
    }
}

[PluginReference(“CopyPaste”, “1.2.3”, true)] // here “true” indicates that the plugin is required
[PluginReference(“ImageLibrary”, “2.0.1”)]
[PluginReference(“IQChat”, “1.0.0”, false)] // here “false” indicates that the plugin is not required
Plugin CopyPaste, ImageLibrary, IQChat;