Mala Plugins

Installing MaLa Plug-Ins

Installing a plug-in varies a little but basically you need to have the *.mplugin file in the ../mala/plugins directory as well as any other files (like set-up files) that are provided with the Plug-In.

When MaLa starts it looks to see what *.mplugin files are in that directory. It will then list them in..

Assuming you have done the relevant set-up (if any) required for that plug-in, it should work the next time you run MaLa.

Creating MaLa Plug-Ins

Know how to code in Delphi or C++?

Even if you don't, why not try?

You can download Delphi Starter or Visual Studio Express C++ and begin producing your own Plug-ins very quickly:

It can be as complex or as simple as you like. Start by modifying the example supplied. (Event Logger)

Free Download Links:

Delphi Starter Edition (Cheap) : Download Here

MS C++ Express Edition: Download Here

You, for example may have the PC do something like make a BEEP noise when you start a game or you may have it do something more complex like mapping controls for your joysticks for a custom control panel.

In any case, the Latest MaLa. The latest version has the Plugin SDK included so have a play.

The example provided, 'EVENT LOGGER' saves a line to a text file every time a event happens.

When you are ready you can substitute this code with your own code to make the plug-in do somethings else.

In a nutshell, the plug-ins are triggered on various events.

• Game Selected,
• Emulator Selected,
• List Selected,
• Orientation Switch,
• Game Start,
• Game Quit,
• Screen saver Start,
• Screen saver Switch,
• Screen saver Stop,
• Attract Mode Start,
• Attract Mode Stop,
• MaLa Start,
• MaLa Quit,
• MaLa Tree Up,
• MaLaTree Down

On these events you decide what your plug-in will do..

Or you can have your Plug-in tell MaLa what to do (using MaLa Messages)

• STOP BG MUSIC
• START BG MUSIC
• NEXT SONG
• PREVIOUS SONG
• SWITCH ORIENTATION
• FLIP ORIENTATION
• START SCREENSAVER
• STOP SCREENSAVER
• Move game list ONE UP
• Move game list ONE DOWN
• Move game list XUP
• Move game list XDOWN
• Move game list LETTERUP
• Move game list LETTERDOWN
• Set state of one LED
• All LEDs on
• All LEDs on
• Reset last LED state
• NEXT GAME LIST
• PREVIOUS GAME LIST
• NEXT EMULATOR
• PREVIOUS EMULATOR
• START GAME
• START RANDOM GAME
• QUIT GAME
• EXIT MaLa

Try it. It's lots of fun :-)

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