We released the second version of the plugin system to extend device functionality. All plugins for the initial release (the first version of plugins system) were converted into this new one and messages flow should be unaffected.
From that moment we will add features to it on a constant basis. Plugins system is still considered experimental at the moment and thus we may introduce changes to its API without prior notice.
In short, plugins allow you to define extra fields to messages published to devices. You define the schema of each plugin and its fields (name, parameter alias, actions with fields - store in the database, publish to MQTT, publish to device telemetry, etc) and after that, you may add devices to the plugin by filling their fields.
Plugins can be used just to store and reference any extra information about the device and use it with REST API selectors. E.g. to extend each device with special customer number, plate number, or even to add a phone number or SIM ICCID.
Some plugins, which are part of a complex pipeline process, like tollbg are available as a template making it simple to create and use them in one click.
REST API is available here. You may read about associated plugins GUI changes here.
We plan later to publish a few articles in our blog covering the most popular use cases for the plugins.
We also plan later introduce plugins to other types of flespi entities, e.g. channels.
Be aware that the number of plugins you may create is limited by your flespi plan. Free flespi users can create just one plugin. And Commercial flespi users have two plugins included in the base package and each extra plugin will cost $20.
