dlopenlibpluginso

dlopenlibpluginso refers to a pattern or component in software that uses the POSIX dynamic linking interface to load plugin libraries at runtime. The name combines common cues: dlopen (the function used to load shared objects), lib (indicating a library), plugin (the module type being loaded), and so (shared object file extension). In this pattern, plugins are typically delivered as native shared objects (.so files) that conform to a defined plugin API and ABI.

A typical implementation centers on a host application that provides a plugin interface and a loader service. Plugins expose a well-known entry point, such as a plugin_init or plugin_create function, and the host resolves this symbol with dlsym after loading the library with dlopen. The loader may also locate a corresponding shutdown or cleanup function to pair with plugin_shutdown or plugin_destroy. This approach enables the host to instantiate, interact with, and later unload plugins without recompiling the main executable.

Loading and lifecycle management usually involve scanning a plugins directory, loading each .so file, resolving the required symbols, and calling initialization routines. Some implementations support manifests or metadata to declare plugin capabilities, versions, and dependencies, helping ensure compatibility and correct wiring of callbacks or interfaces.

Key considerations include ABI compatibility across plugin versions, proper symbol naming to avoid conflicts, and thread-safety of plugin callbacks. Security concerns emphasize validating plugin sources, using signed or trusted libraries, and controlling the resolution mode (for example, choosing between immediate versus lazy symbol resolution and strict unloading).

See also: dlopen, dlsym, dlclose, shared libraries, plugin architecture.