Add Plugin Reload Feature Without Restarting DataLab

[PierreRaybaut]

Summary

Currently, plugins in DataLab require a full application restart to be reloaded, which disrupts workflows and reduces efficiency. This issue proposes adding a feature to reload plugins dynamically without needing to restart DataLab.

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Proposed Solution

1. Dynamic Plugin Management

   • Implement a mechanism to unload and reload plugins at runtime.
   • Ensure that plugin resources (e.g., UI components, data structures) are properly disposed of to avoid memory leaks.

2. Reload UI Integration

   • Add a "Reload Plugins" option in the settings or tools menu for user convenience.
   • Provide feedback to users via notifications or status messages indicating success or failure of plugin reloads.

3. Error Handling

   • Handle cases where a plugin fails to reload due to missing dependencies or errors in the plugin code:
     • Log detailed error messages.
     • Optionally allow the user to skip problematic plugins.

4. Developer Experience

   • Support a developer mode for quick iteration during plugin development:
     • Automatically reload plugins when file changes are detected.
     • Provide debugging tools for plugin state inspection.

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Benefits

• Improves user productivity by eliminating the need to restart DataLab for plugin updates.
• Enhances the plugin development workflow by providing a smoother testing process.
• Reduces application downtime in multi-user or automation scenarios.

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Suggested Priority

• Critical:

  • Implement the basic reload mechanism.
  • Ensure resource cleanup and error handling during reloads.

• Medium:

  • Add developer mode with file change detection.
  • Integrate the feature into the user interface.

• Optional:

  • Allow selective reloading of specific plugins.
  • Provide additional tools for debugging and monitoring plugin states.