Chapter 17. Creating New Extension Points

Eclipse facilitates enhancements by defining extension points, but that technique is not reserved only for Eclipse itself. Each plug-in can define its own extension points that can be used either internally as part of a disciplined and flexible programming approach, or externally as a way for third-party plug-ins to enhance an existing plug-in in a controlled yet loosely coupled, flexible manner. This chapter discusses the API involved and provides examples of creating extension points so that a third party can extend the plug-in's functionality.