Difference between revisions of "Mala Plugins"

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(Creating MaLa Plug-Ins)
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Even if you don't, why not try?   
 
Even if you don't, why not try?   
  
You can download 'Free' Delphi and 'Free' C++ and begin producing your own Plug-ins very quickly:
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You can download Delphi Starter or Visual Studio Express C++ and begin producing your own Plug-ins very quickly:
  
 
It can be as complex or as simple as you like. Start by modifying the example supplied. (Event Logger)
 
It can be as complex or as simple as you like. Start by modifying the example supplied. (Event Logger)
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Free Download Links:
 
Free Download Links:
  
'''Turbo Delphi:'''  [http://www.turboexplorer.com/downloads Download Here]
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'''Delphi Starter Edition (Cheap) :'''  [http://www.embarcadero.com/products/delphi/starter Download Here]   
 
 
'''MS C++:'''        [http://msdn.microsoft.com/vstudio/express/visualc/default.aspx Download Here]
 
Note: To create MaLa Plug-ins with the C++ express version you will also need to download the [http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=0BAF2B35-C656-4969-ACE8-E4C0C0716ADB&displaylang=en Windows SDK]
 
  
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'''MS C++ Express Edition:'''        [http://www.microsoft.com/express/vc/ Download Here]
  
 
You, for example may have the PC do something like make a BEEP noise when you start a game or you may have it do something more complex like mapping controls for your joysticks for a custom control panel.
 
You, for example may have the PC do something like make a BEEP noise when you start a game or you may have it do something more complex like mapping controls for your joysticks for a custom control panel.
  
In any case, download the [http://mala.arcadezentrum.com/easytrack.php?id=pluginSDKv1.1 MaLa Plug-in SDK] and have a play.
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In any case, the Latest MaLa. The latest version has the Plugin SDK included so have a play.
  
  
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When you are ready you can substitute this code with your own code to make the plug-in do somethings else.
 
When you are ready you can substitute this code with your own code to make the plug-in do somethings else.
  
[[Image:Mala_OptionsX.JPG|450px]]
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[[Image:Mala_OptionsX.JPG|500px]]
  
 
In a nutshell, the plug-ins are triggered on various events.
 
In a nutshell, the plug-ins are triggered on various events.

Latest revision as of 08:50, 5 December 2013

Installing MaLa Plug-Ins

Installing a plug-in varies a little but basically you need to have the *.mplugin file in the ../mala/plugins directory as well as any other files (like set-up files) that are provided with the Plug-In.

Mala OptionsE.JPG When MaLa starts it looks to see what *.mplugin files are in that directory. It will then list them in..

Assuming you have done the relevant set-up (if any) required for that plug-in, it should work the next time you run MaLa.

Creating MaLa Plug-Ins


Know how to code in Delphi or C++?

Even if you don't, why not try?

You can download Delphi Starter or Visual Studio Express C++ and begin producing your own Plug-ins very quickly:

It can be as complex or as simple as you like. Start by modifying the example supplied. (Event Logger)

Free Download Links:

Delphi Starter Edition (Cheap) : Download Here

MS C++ Express Edition: Download Here

You, for example may have the PC do something like make a BEEP noise when you start a game or you may have it do something more complex like mapping controls for your joysticks for a custom control panel.

In any case, the Latest MaLa. The latest version has the Plugin SDK included so have a play.


The example provided, 'EVENT LOGGER' saves a line to a text file every time a event happens.

When you are ready you can substitute this code with your own code to make the plug-in do somethings else.

Mala OptionsX.JPG

In a nutshell, the plug-ins are triggered on various events.

  • Game Selected,
  • Emulator Selected,
  • List Selected,
  • Orientation Switch,
  • Game Start,
  • Game Quit,
  • Screen saver Start,
  • Screen saver Switch,
  • Screen saver Stop,
  • Attract Mode Start,
  • Attract Mode Stop,
  • MaLa Start,
  • MaLa Quit,
  • MaLa Tree Up,
  • MaLaTree Down

On these events you decide what your plug-in will do..

Or you can have your Plug-in tell MaLa what to do (using MaLa Messages)

  • STOP BG MUSIC
  • START BG MUSIC
  • NEXT SONG
  • PREVIOUS SONG
  • SWITCH ORIENTATION
  • FLIP ORIENTATION
  • START SCREENSAVER
  • STOP SCREENSAVER
  • Move game list ONE UP
  • Move game list ONE DOWN
  • Move game list XUP
  • Move game list XDOWN
  • Move game list LETTERUP
  • Move game list LETTERDOWN
  • Set state of one LED
  • All LEDs on
  • All LEDs on
  • Reset last LED state
  • NEXT GAME LIST
  • PREVIOUS GAME LIST
  • NEXT EMULATOR
  • PREVIOUS EMULATOR
  • START GAME
  • START RANDOM GAME
  • QUIT GAME
  • EXIT MaLa


Try it. It's lots of fun :-)


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