backstage/docs/plugins/guides.md

id, title

id	title
guides	Guides for Plugins

:::note Note This docs is still a work in progress, many of the guides described below do not exist yet. :::

Guides for Plugin Development

For Beginners: Introduction to Plugin Development

This section is designed for those new to plugin development. It covers the basics and provides a foundation for more advanced topics.

• Introduction to Plugin Development
  • Why build plugins? Introduction to the value and impact of plugins within Backstage.
  • Detailed guidance on starting and iterating on a plugin development project.
  • Engaging with the community and stakeholders to propel your project.

For Intermediate Users: Scaling and Deploying Your Plugin

This section helps developers prepare their plugins for broader adoption, emphasizing best practices in monitoring, logging, and performance.

• Scaling and Deploying Your Plugin
  • Strategies for scaling your plugin for greater adoption.
  • Best practices for monitoring and logging.
  • Understand plugin ownership and maintain an inner source mentality.

For Advanced Users: Advanced Plugin Customization and Integration

This is for those ready to explore complex challenges and enhance their plugins with advanced features.

• Advanced Plugin Customization and Integration
  • Enabling resource-level authorization and interfacing with external services, SCMs, or databases.
  • In-depth exploration of fostering an inner source mentality and understanding adoption dynamics.
  • Decision-making frameworks: choosing between developing a new plugin or utilizing an existing open-source solution.
  • Open-sourcing: How and when to contribute back to the community.

Additional Resources and Further Reading

• Real-world Implementations and Lessons

  • Case studies and examples from the community.
  • Best practices derived from mature implementations.
  • Existing open-source community-maintained plugins.

• Resource Compendium

  • Backstage Glossary of key terms.
  • Recommended readings and tools for advanced developers.

• Certification and Learning Pathways

  • Pathways to deepen your understanding and expertise in plugin development for Backstage.

Stay tuned for detailed exploration and guidance in each of these modules. We're excited to accompany you on your plugin development journey!