# Plugins

Plugins extend SQLife with optional database drivers, property editors, explain-plan views, tabs, and other integrations. Plugins are discovered through the Java service-loader based plugin system.

## Open the Plugin Manager

Use **Plugin -> Plugins** in the application menu. The plugin page shows the plugins that SQLife can discover in the current installation.

## Install or Enable a Plugin

The exact actions depend on the plugin package and SQLife version:

1. Open **Plugin -> Plugins**.
2. Review the plugin name, version, and description.
3. Install or enable the plugin using the action shown by the manager.
4. Restart SQLife if the manager requests it.
5. Create a connection or open the added tab/menu to verify the plugin.

Do not assume that every plugin is bundled or that every plugin supports the same install, update, or uninstall actions. The manager is the source of truth for the current installation.

## What Plugins Can Add

Depending on the installed plugin, SQLife can gain:

- JDBC database types and connection modes;
- database properties and object views;
- database-specific table-property or explain-plan views;
- standalone tabs such as middleware or message-queue tools;
- additional icons and resources.

Optional integrations may include MariaDB, Microsoft SQL Server, H2, Redis, MongoDB, Elasticsearch, Kafka, RabbitMQ, and other database or middleware systems. Availability is version- and package-dependent.

## Troubleshooting

- If a database type is missing, check that its plugin is installed and restart SQLife.
- If a plugin fails after an application upgrade, reinstall a version compatible with the running SQLife version.
- If installation or update fails, check the network/proxy configuration and the manager error message.
- Keep plugin versions aligned with the application version; do not copy plugin folders between incompatible installations without a backup.