---
id: index
title: Introduction to Plugins (Legacy)
description: Legacy documentation for integrating various infrastructure and software development tools into Backstage through plugins using the old frontend system.
---

:::caution Legacy Documentation

This section covers plugin development using the **old frontend system**. For new development, please refer to the [new frontend system](../frontend-system/index.md) and [new backend system](../backend-system/index.md) documentation. The content here is kept for reference and for maintaining existing plugins that have not yet been migrated.

:::

Backstage orchestrates a cohesive single-page application by seamlessly integrating various plugins.

Our vision for the plugin ecosystem champions flexibility, empowering you to incorporate a broad spectrum of infrastructure and software development tools into Backstage as plugins. Adherence to stringent [design guidelines](../dls/design.md) guarantees a consistent and intuitive user experience across the entire plugin landscape.

![Plugin Screenshot](../assets/plugins/my-plugin_screenshot.png)

## Creating a Plugin

Embark on your plugin development journey by following the detailed steps provided in the [Create a Plugin](create-a-plugin.md) documentation.

## Suggesting a Plugin

If you're developing an open-source plugin, we encourage you to create a [new issue in the community plugins repository](https://github.com/backstage/community-plugins/issues/new/choose). This informs the community about upcoming plugins and invites collaboration and feedback.

This approach is equally beneficial if you conceive an idea for a potentially impactful plugin but prefer if another contributor undertakes its development.

## Integration with the Software Catalog

Should your plugin complement the Software Catalog rather than exist as a standalone feature (for instance, as an additional tab or a card within an "Overview" tab), you'll find comprehensive guidance on achieving this integration in the [Integrating Plugin into Software Catalog guide](integrating-plugin-into-software-catalog.md).

## Existing Plugins

There are a plethora of existing community made plugins which can be found by going to the [Backstage Plugin Directory](https://backstage.io/plugins)

You can read more about it in this blog post: [The Plugin Directory is now open](https://backstage.io/blog/2020/09/30/plugin-marketplace/)