[GNC] add on modules for GnuCash ??

[Jediator]

Add-on modules are called plugins in GNC, which won't be easy to do 
since GNC is still based on the old-fashioned C APIs (C++ conversion is 
still ongoing).  A simple query "how to create plugins in gnucash" on 
google yielded the following AI-generated answer (John or anyone from 
the dev team please comment).  I guess the best way to achieve what you 
want is to contact the dev team and get your requests on their roadmap. 
A big $donation$ may help achieve your goal sooner...

Hope this helps.  Cheers!

-- ND
*---------------------------------------*
To create a GnuCash plugin, you need towrite code using the GnuCash C 
API, which allows you to interact with the GnuCash data and interface, 
essentially building a custom extension that integrates with the 
existing GnuCash functionality;this involves creating a new C project, 
defining your plugin's functions, and registering it with the GnuCash 
plugin manager to be loaded when the application starts up.
Key steps involved in creating a GnuCash plugin:

  *
    *Understand the GnuCash API:*
    Familiarize yourself with the GnuCash C API documentation, which
    outlines the functions and structures you can use to access and
    manipulate data within GnuCash, including accounts, transactions,
    and other financial elements.
  *
    *Set up a development environment:*
      o *Install necessary tools:*Ensure you have a C compiler, a
        suitable IDE (like Code::Blocks or Visual Studio), and access to
        the GnuCash source code (to reference the API).
      o *Create a new project:*Start a new C project in your IDE.
  *
    *Write your plugin code:*
      o *Include GnuCash headers:*Import the necessary GnuCash header
        files to access the API functions.
      o *Define plugin structure:*Implement the required plugin
        functions as outlined in the GnuCash documentation, including
        initialization, data access, UI elements (if needed), and
        cleanup routines.
      o *Data manipulation:*Use the GnuCash API functions to interact
        with the financial data within GnuCash, such as creating new
        accounts, adding transactions, or modifying existing data.
      o *GUI integration (optional):*If your plugin requires a user
        interface, leverage the GnuCash GUI toolkit to create custom
        dialogs, menus, or widgets that integrate seamlessly with the
        GnuCash application.
  *
    *Register your plugin:*
      o *Plugin registration function:*Implement the necessary functions
        to register your plugin with the GnuCash plugin manager,
        providing information like the plugin name, description, and
        initialization function.
  *
    *Compile and link:*
      o *Compile your code:*Compile your plugin code into a shared
        library (e.g., .so on Linux) that can be loaded by GnuCash.
      o *Place the library:*Place the compiled plugin library in the
        appropriate GnuCash plugin directory.
  *
    *Testing and debugging:*
      o *Start GnuCash:*Launch GnuCash and check if your plugin is
        loaded correctly.
      o *Test functionality:*Thoroughly test your plugin's features to
        ensure it interacts with GnuCash data as expected and does not
        introduce any conflicts.

Important considerations:

  *
    *API stability:*
    Be aware that the GnuCash API may change between versions, so
    consider potential updates required when upgrading GnuCash.
  *
    *Community support:*
    Reach out to the GnuCash community forums or mailing lists if you
    need help with plugin development.




On 1/5/25 4:43 PM, Steven via gnucash-user wrote:
> I am just curious if there is a source for add on modules to GnuCash.   I have seen many questions about tracking inventory.   I think add on modules to handle inventory as well as CRM would be nice to have everything integrated.
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