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 'Free' Delphi and 'Free' 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:

Turbo Delphi: http://www.turboexplorer.com/downloads

MS C++: http://msdn.microsoft.com/vstudio/express/visualc/default.aspx

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

eg:

• MaLa Start
• Game Start
• Screen Saver Start
• more....

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

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, download the Plug-in SDK and have a play. http://mala.arcadezentrum.com/easytrack.php?id=pluginSDKv1.1

Use Marqee's/Pics instead of text for my gamelists

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.

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

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