.TH "doc_decisions_6_implemented_backend_plugin_md" 3elektra "Fri Aug 4 2023" "Version 0.11.0" "Elektra" \" -*- nroff -*-
.ad l
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.SH NAME
doc_decisions_6_implemented_backend_plugin_md \- Backend Plugin 
 
.SH "Problem"
.PP
.IP "\(bu" 2
Old backends (before Elektra 0\&.9\&.12) store plugins in arrays which have a fixed number of slots for each plugin role\&. The number of plugins which can be assigned is limited, making it easy to reach the limit if many plugins are in use\&.
.IP "\(bu" 2
As structs, old backends are separate from the plugin interface and integrated into the core of Elektra\&. This makes it difficult to perform operations such as nesting plugins, or to develop other implementations for backends\&.
.PP
.SH "Constraints"
.PP
.IP "\(bu" 2
All existing plugins, except \fBhooks\fP, should continue working as before\&.
.PP
.SH "Assumptions"
.PP
.SH "Considered Alternatives"
.PP
.IP "\(bu" 2
Multiple storage plugins within a single backend
.IP "\(bu" 2
Improve backend to contain more plugin slots
.IP "\(bu" 2
Making number of plugins per slot unlimited
.PP
.SH "Decision"
.PP
.IP "\(bu" 2
The current backend implementation was redeveloped into a backend plugin\&. The core of Elektra accesses backends through the standard plugin interface\&.
.IP "\(bu" 2
The new backend plugin supports an unlimited number of plugins in any position where more than one plugin is sensible, e\&.g\&., unlimited plugins in \fCpoststorage\fP, but only a single one in \fCstorage\fP and \fCresolver\fP
.PP
.SH "Rationale"
.PP
.IP "\(bu" 2
Making backends also plugins detaches their implementation from the core of Elektra, making it possible to develop new kinds of backends without major changes to the core itself\&.
.IP "\(bu" 2
As plugins, backends can contain further backends, making it possible to nest plugins and enabling new kinds of plugin combinations such as fallback storage options\&.
.PP
.SH "Implications"
.PP
The structure of \fCsystem:/elektra/mountpoints\fP has to change to accommodate different kinds of backend plugins\&.
.SH "Related Decisions"
.PP
.SH "Notes"
.PP
https://issues.libelektra.org/2963