gstreamer/docs/fwg/concepts.sgml
Richard Boulton 4e1993625f More updates: now have headings for the second section too, and some text for it... ;-)
Original commit message from CVS:
More updates: now have headings for the second section too, and some
text for it... ;-)
2001-01-07 02:23:40 +00:00

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<chapter id="cha-plugins">
<title>Plugins</title>
<para>
Extensions to GStreamer can be made using a plugin mechanism. This is
used extensively in GStreamer even if only the standard package is
being used: a few very basic functions reside in the core library, and
all others are in a standard set of plugins.
</para>
<para>
Plugins are only loaded when needed: a plugin registry is used to
store the details of the plugins so that it is not neccessary to load
all plugins to determine which are needed.
This registry needs to be updated when a new plugin is added to the
system: see the <emphasis>gstreamer-register</emphasis> utility and the
documentation in the <emphasis>GStreamer Application Development
Manual</emphasis> for more details.
</para>
<para>
User extensions to GStreamer can be installed in the main plugin
directory, and will immediately be available for use in applications.
<emphasis>gstreamer-register</emphasis> should be run to update
the repository: but the system will work correctly even if it hasn't
been - it will just load the correct plugin faster.
</para>
<para>
User specific plugin directories and registries will be available in future
versions of GStreamer.
</para>
</chapter>
<chapter id="cha-elements">
<title>Elements</title>
<para>
Elements are at the core of GStreamer. Without elements, GStreamer is just
a bunch of pipe fittings with nothing to connect. A large number of
elements (filters, sources and sinks) ship with GStreamer, but extra
elements can also be written.
</para>
<para>
An element may be constructed in several different ways, but all must
conform to the same basic rules. A simple filter may be built with the
FilterFactory, where the only code that need be written is the actual
filter code. A more complex filter, or a source or sink, will need to be
written out fully for complete access to the features and performance
possible with GStreamer.
</para>
<para>
The implementation of a new element will be contained in a plugin:
a single plugin may contain the implementation of several elements, or
just a single one.
</para>
</chapter>
<chapter id="cha-buffers">
<title>Buffers</title>
<para>
</para>
</chapter>
<chapter id="cha-scheduling">
<title>Scheduling</title>
<para>
</para>
</chapter>
<chapter id="cha-chainloop">
<title>Chain vs Loop Elements</title>
<para>
</para>
</chapter>
<chapter id="cha-typing">
<title>Typing and Properties</title>
<para>
</para>
</chapter>
<chapter id="cha-metadata">
<title>Metadata</title>
<para>
</para>
</chapter>