Extensions Platform: beta launch #119521

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opened 2024-03-15 15:24:42 +01:00 by Dalai Felinto · 7 comments

Although the extensions platform alpha release is finished there are still a few tasks we want to tackle before 4.2 Beta.

Show-stoppers

Blender:

  • None.

Server-side:

Documentation:

  • Provide guidance for where extensions should store presets (existing conventions for add-ons may not make sense).
  • Document the process of bundling extensions in a "System" repository.
  • Create a task with all 4.1 add-ons and their status (checkbox if tested, comment if not working): extensions/automation-scripts#1
  • Update user manual add-ons part + remove references to extensions being experimental and 4.2.
  • Update https://developer.blender.org/docs/
  • Release Notes needs love.

Bugs:

  • None.

Bugs to investigate

  • The preset operator uses eval() to apply a preset, therefore if you use __package__ it returns the package where the operator lives. Document how this can be solved.
  • Search could include extension author and maintainer.

Good to have

Blender:

  • Flag third-party Python modules Blender includes (so their wheel is never installed). #123189
  • Support dragging multiple .zip with multiple extensions.
  • Handle add_ons core preferences #121830
  • Install from disk from the menu could pre-search for the extension name, so its settings can be set.
  • Renaming a module should rename the directory #123683
  • Support for repositories blocklist, proposal #124954

Archived (done) tasks)

  • Support clearing a repository lock held by other session #122135
  • Including wheels on [build.generated] when using --split-platforms #124242
  • Dropping a URL from an unknown repository shows a button "Add Repository..." which works but does not close the popup, see: #124098. 11b1919bcf
  • Dropping an extension from the filesystem can detect and set the remote repository as default (if the ZIP file is associated with a remote repository).
  • The build & validate sub-commands should validate tags as well #123986
  • Panel expand button is non-functional when zoomed in #123807
  • Blender let me install an incompatible extension #123677
  • Add-ons in local repositories do not install wheels #123645
  • Figure out how to handle wheels and System add-ons (related: #123645)
  • Don't save repository when Install from Disk (from the UI) #123710
  • Bring back the button to visit the website inside the extension description #123689
  • Using the wrong URL for extensions #123706
  • Separate Enabled/Disabled/Available in separate sections (separated by Labels) #123660
  • Error when installing from disk #123676
  • Error (briefly) when I first get data from the server #123681
  • Change repository URL or access token should "Check for Updates" #123682
  • Setting the default theme manually breaks the Extension UI #123657
  • Helper operator to convert the 4.1 user preferences to 4.2 #122303
  • Create a bundle with the 4.1 add-ons as extensions #122147
  • Support version range and platforms from the download URLs
  • Bring add-ons tab back #122735, PR !123420.
  • Install (to Remote Repository) from Disk #122302
  • Fix error message when trying to install an unsupported package #123241
  • First time dialogs and setups #120665
  • Throw error if trying to install extension containing .git/.svn/...
  • blender_version_max should be non-inclusive: infrastructure/extensions-website#183
  • Portable bundle #122512
    • Support "System" repositories dc9430c480.
    • Prevent conflicts between User/System extensions 939e4b2efc.
    • Support read-only system repositories. a24add4a66
  • Extension support bpy.utils.register_submodule_factory #122769 6450141a18.
  • Check for Update operator should be active for Local Repositories (the operator, NOT the property) - in this case it works more like a refresh.
  • Sub-panels in popups don't work when zoomed in/out #122411.
  • Easy installer for legacy add-ons !122727
  • Support new permissions schema on manifest
    • server_generate
    • build_package
    • validate
    • support old schema for now
  • Extension UI cleanup (patch by Pablo) !122726
  • Stop using LZMA #122710
  • Pop-over to filter extensions based on their tags.
  • API for screen-casting
  • The undocumented (advanced) Online Local Repositories should point to a .json, not to a folder.
  • New welcome message with URL + Allow Online Access !122511
  • Update install via dragging URL to support "Allow Online Access" when offline.
  • Remove splashscreen messages (exception: --offline-mode message)
  • Status bar extensions/offline info:
  • Populate bpy.context.window_manager.extensions_update
  • Show Available Updates on status bar !122413
  • Update Listing automatically when visiting Preferences > Extensions
  • Only show offline mode if launched with --offline-mode !122392.
  • Pass 'platform' as part of the query infrastructure/extensions-website#74 !122229
  • Check for Update on startup is only working for blender_org? (issues redoing this one, can add this item back if it's a problem).
  • Dragging to install an extension from a disabled repository fails silently #120303
  • Support "secret" option for remote repositories to pass access tokens to servers.
    171319d9ef.
  • Allow Online Access and --offline-mode).
    See PR !121994. (57c023d580)
  • Add trailing slash to extensions URL: https://extensions.blender.org/api/v1/extensions/ to avoid unnecessary redirect. (f7f23541f0)
  • Show add-ons specific permissions on Blender. e0b47f78e8
  • Local cache still stores .zip files. (blender/blender-addons-contrib@a1b0f1b1f4)
  • Disabling "Local Cache" should remove local cache when running an update. (blender/blender-addons-contrib@a1b0f1b1f4)
  • Removing an extension should remove it's local cache. (blender/blender-addons-contrib@a1b0f1b1f4)
  • Add-ons fail to enable silently when installed from disk (e.g., visibility handler).
  • Investigate why visibility handler doesn't work as extension (it works if you Install as Legacy Add-on).
  • Investigate why Co doesn't work as extension (it works if you extract the .py and Install as Legacy Add-on).
  • Installing an Extension via dragging has no feedback #119500
  • Custom directory potential issue #119481 (f64f3e8524)
  • Stop with the bl_info warning (0b13d1f31a).
  • Extensions UI still showing even when Developers Extra is disabled (0d2c4df346).
  • Uninstalling a theme extension should remove it #120289
  • Mode "Show Development Utilities" to its own Experimental Flag.
  • Filter option to show only Update Available #120609
  • Splashscreen and Available Extensions Update #120612
  • Repository option to "Check for Updates on Startup" #120613
  • Unify install from disk (installing legacy add-on should go via install from disk as well).
  • Archive addons_contribs (wait with this… ).
  • Open devtalk Beta feedback thread.
  • Support for bundling wheels (.whl) in packages #119681
Although the extensions platform [alpha release is finished](https://devtalk.blender.org/t/extensions-platform-alpha-launch/33342) there are still a few tasks we want to tackle before 4.2 Beta. ## Show-stoppers Blender: - *None.* Server-side: * [x] Back-end tasks: https://projects.blender.org/infrastructure/extensions-website/issues/70 Documentation: - [ ] Provide guidance for where extensions should store presets (existing conventions for add-ons may not make sense). - [ ] Update user manual add-ons part + remove references to extensions being experimental and 4.2. - [ ] Update https://developer.blender.org/docs/ - [ ] [Release Notes](https://developer.blender.org/docs/release_notes/4.2/python_api/#extensions) needs love. - [x] Document the process of bundling extensions in a "System" repository. - [x] Create a task with all 4.1 add-ons and their status (checkbox if tested, comment if not working): https://projects.blender.org/extensions/automation-scripts/issues/1 - [ ] Update user manual add-ons part + remove references to extensions being experimental and 4.2. - [ ] Update https://developer.blender.org/docs/ - [ ] [Release Notes](https://developer.blender.org/docs/release_notes/4.2/python_api/#extensions) needs love. ## Bugs: - *None.* ## Bugs to investigate - [ ] The [preset operator](https://projects.blender.org/blender/blender/src/branch/main/scripts/startup/bl_operators/presets.py) uses eval() to apply a preset, therefore if you use `__package__` it returns the package where the operator lives. Document how this can be solved. - [ ] Search could include extension author and maintainer. ## Good to have Blender: - [ ] Flag third-party Python modules Blender includes (so their wheel is never installed). #123189 - [ ] Support dragging multiple .zip with multiple extensions. - [ ] Handle add_ons core preferences #121830 - [ ] Install from disk from the menu could pre-search for the extension name, so its settings can be set. - [ ] Renaming a module should rename the directory #123683 - [ ] Support for repositories `blocklist`, proposal #124954 ## Archived (done) tasks) - [x] Support clearing a repository lock held by other session #122135 - [x] Including wheels on [build.generated] when using --split-platforms #124242 - [x] Dropping a URL from an unknown repository shows a button "Add Repository..." which works but does not close the popup, see: #124098. 11b1919bcfe3a81283f3e81223ddc4dcc0525a0f - [x] Dropping an extension from the filesystem can detect and set the remote repository as default (if the ZIP file is associated with a remote repository). - [x] The `build` & `validate` sub-commands should validate tags as well #123986 - [x] Panel expand button is non-functional when zoomed in #123807 - [x] Blender let me install an incompatible extension #123677 - [x] Add-ons in local repositories do not install wheels #123645 - [x] Figure out how to handle wheels and System add-ons (related: #123645) - [x] Don't save repository when Install from Disk (from the UI) #123710 - [x] Bring back the button to visit the website inside the extension description #123689 - [x] Using the wrong URL for extensions #123706 - [x] Separate Enabled/Disabled/Available in separate sections (separated by Labels) #123660 - [x] Error when installing from disk #123676 - [x] Error (briefly) when I first get data from the server #123681 - [x] Change repository URL or access token should "Check for Updates" #123682 - [x] Setting the default theme manually breaks the Extension UI #123657 - [x] Helper operator to convert the 4.1 user preferences to 4.2 #122303 - [x] Create a bundle with the 4.1 add-ons as extensions #122147 - [x] [Support version range and platforms from the download URLs](https://projects.blender.org/infrastructure/extensions-website/issues/190) - [x] Bring add-ons tab back #122735, PR !123420. - [x] Install (to Remote Repository) from Disk #122302 - [x] Fix error message when trying to install an unsupported package #123241 - First time dialogs and setups #120665 - [x] Improved error messages: !123242 - [x] [Throw error if trying to install extension containing .git/.svn/...](https://projects.blender.org/infrastructure/extensions-website/issues/175#issuecomment-1212781) - [x] `blender_version_max` should be non-inclusive: https://projects.blender.org/infrastructure/extensions-website/issues/183 - [x] Portable bundle #122512 - [x] Support "System" repositories dc9430c48039bda36c1ba052f00c20e554f6aef0. - [x] Prevent conflicts between User/System extensions 939e4b2efcb3d8a2d4481341866ef0fb2e6d4aa6. - [x] Support read-only system repositories. a24add4a669a9281fcde4e7bfc3fbb2ac1093e18 - [x] Extension support `bpy.utils.register_submodule_factory` #122769 6450141a188567eadcf544e1f0cd08ea66fcf033. - [x] Check for Update operator should be active for Local Repositories (the operator, NOT the property) - in this case it works more like a refresh. - [x] Sub-panels in popups don't work when zoomed in/out #122411. - [x] Easy installer for legacy add-ons !122727 - [x] [Support new permissions schema on manifest](https://projects.blender.org/infrastructure/extensions-website/issues/166) - [x] server_generate - [x] build_package - [x] validate - [x] support old schema for now - [x] Extension UI cleanup (patch by Pablo) !122726 - [x] Stop using LZMA #122710 - [x] Pop-over to filter extensions based on their tags. - [x] API for screen-casting - [x] The undocumented (advanced) Online Local Repositories should point to a .json, not to a folder. - [x] New welcome message with URL + Allow Online Access !122511 - [x] Update install via dragging URL to support "Allow Online Access" when offline. - [x] Remove splashscreen messages (exception: --offline-mode message) - [x] Status bar extensions/offline info: - [x] Populate bpy.context.window_manager.extensions_update - [x] Show Available Updates on status bar !122413 - [x] Update Listing automatically when visiting Preferences > Extensions - [x] Only show offline mode if launched with --offline-mode !122392. - [x] Pass 'platform' as part of the query https://projects.blender.org/infrastructure/extensions-website/issues/74 !122229 - [x] Check for Update on startup is only working for blender_org? (issues redoing this one, can add this item back if it's a problem). - [x] Dragging to install an extension from a disabled repository fails silently #120303 - [x] Support "secret" option for remote repositories to pass access tokens to servers. 171319d9efa8ae2d159533c0d485e5a0c2a9afc6. - [x] Allow Online Access and `--offline-mode`). See PR !121994. (57c023d5809e3e14811eb4faf10c0b2158da20a2) - [x] Add trailing slash to extensions URL: `https://extensions.blender.org/api/v1/extensions/` to avoid unnecessary redirect. (f7f23541f097873b640d1a4b74d599b021c09c9b) - [x] Show add-ons specific permissions on Blender. e0b47f78e8aaf9eefd816441eaa7086ce0acf259 - [x] Local cache still stores `.zip` files. (blender/blender-addons-contrib@a1b0f1b1f4ee807c09f278de2c08ff0a1afe8821) - [x] Disabling "Local Cache" should remove local cache when running an update. (blender/blender-addons-contrib@a1b0f1b1f4ee807c09f278de2c08ff0a1afe8821) - [x] Removing an extension should remove it's local cache. (blender/blender-addons-contrib@a1b0f1b1f4ee807c09f278de2c08ff0a1afe8821) - [x] Add-ons fail to enable silently when installed from disk (e.g., [visibility handler](https://extensions.blender.org/approval-queue/visibility-handler/)). - [x] Investigate why [visibility handler](https://extensions.blender.org/approval-queue/visibility-handler/) doesn't work as extension (it works if you Install as Legacy Add-on). - [x] Investigate why [Co](https://extensions.blender.org/approval-queue/co/) doesn't work as extension (it works if you extract the .py and Install as Legacy Add-on). - [x] Installing an Extension via dragging has no feedback #119500 - [x] Custom directory potential issue #119481 (f64f3e852416698d97c959f8ada10a5ccd44af6a) - [x] Stop with the `bl_info` warning (0b13d1f31a8c8e47def16abcc42f8c210fd50fce). - [x] Extensions UI still showing even when Developers Extra is disabled (0d2c4df346195ca7bff706ebfc9e85449f5d0c6a). - [x] Uninstalling a theme extension should remove it #120289 - [x] Mode "Show Development Utilities" to its own Experimental Flag. - [x] Filter option to show only Update Available #120609 - [x] Splashscreen and Available Extensions Update #120612 - [x] Repository option to "Check for Updates on Startup" #120613 - [x] ~~Unify install from disk (installing legacy add-on should go via install from disk as well).~~ - [x] Archive addons_contribs (wait with this… ). - [x] Open devtalk Beta feedback thread. - [x] Support for bundling wheels (`.whl`) in packages #119681
Dalai Felinto added the
Type
To Do
label 2024-03-15 15:24:42 +01:00
Dalai Felinto added this to the Python API project 2024-03-15 15:24:45 +01:00
Member

Small things I noticed, let me know if I should make separate reports for any or all:

  • On the Submit page, the "guidelines" link is 404. Seems fixed.
  • Add-on preferences are a separate, disconnected box.
  • At first I wanted to add my add-on as a local repository, so I wouldn't have to zip it up and re-install it every time I work on it. But when I did this, the add-on's checkbox to enable it was grayed out.
  • When trying to use the Add Local Repository operator and then browsing a directory, the operation gets cancelled. It only works by typing/pasting in the directory path. I think this is happening because the file selector is in a pop-up panel, which is not a permanent UI element, so it disappears after choosing a directory, cancelling the operator.

Update: I tried 4.2 again after some time, and all of my issues seem to have been addressed. I'm really happy with how this project is going, great job guys.

Small things I noticed, let me know if I should make separate reports for any or all: - ~~On the [Submit](https://extensions.blender.org/submit/) page, the "guidelines" link is 404.~~ Seems fixed. - ~~Add-on preferences are a separate, disconnected box.~~ - ~~At first I wanted to add my add-on as a local repository, so I wouldn't have to zip it up and re-install it every time I work on it. But when I did this, the add-on's checkbox to enable it was grayed out.~~ - ~~When trying to use the Add Local Repository operator and then browsing a directory, the operation gets cancelled. It only works by typing/pasting in the directory path. I think this is happening because the file selector is in a pop-up panel, which is not a permanent UI element, so it disappears after choosing a directory, cancelling the operator.~~ Update: I tried 4.2 again after some time, and all of my issues seem to have been addressed. I'm really happy with how this project is going, great job guys.
Contributor

Add-on preferences are now a separate, disconnected box. This means the visual distinction between two different add-ons is now the same as the visual distinction between one add-on, and its own preferences. I suspect this was not intentional.

This was the case for add-ons too, and it's weird.
Is it possible to use proper panels for add-ons instead of weird boxes? Regular panels with headers and content like properties and modifiers. Than add-on preferences can be a subpanel which is opened by default

> Add-on preferences are now a separate, disconnected box. This means the visual distinction between two different add-ons is now the same as the visual distinction between one add-on, and its own preferences. I suspect this was not intentional. This was the case for add-ons too, and it's weird. Is it possible to use proper panels for add-ons instead of weird boxes? Regular panels with headers and content like properties and modifiers. Than add-on preferences can be a subpanel which is opened by default

Hey there, i've noticed that automatic installation of bundled wheel files (added in#119681) seemingly doesn't work for extensions from local repositories. Is that expected behaviour?

Hey there, i've noticed that automatic installation of bundled wheel files (added inhttps://projects.blender.org/blender/blender/issues/119681) seemingly doesn't work for extensions from local repositories. Is that expected behaviour?
Author
Owner

Hey there, i've noticed that automatic installation of bundled wheel files (added in#119681) seemingly doesn't work for extensions from local repositories. Is that expected behaviour?

Please report as a bug so we can investigate this further. It is supposed to work, but we will need more details from you. Feel free to reference me and campbell on it (@dfelinto + @ideasman42).

> Hey there, i've noticed that automatic installation of bundled wheel files (added inhttps://projects.blender.org/blender/blender/issues/119681) seemingly doesn't work for extensions from local repositories. Is that expected behaviour? Please report as a bug so we can investigate this further. It is supposed to work, but we will need more details from you. Feel free to reference me and campbell on it (@dfelinto + @ideasman42).

71,098 addon developers rely on Jacque Lucke's Blender extension for VSCode. Could Blender take over it's maintenance, as it no longer works with the new extension system, and Jacque no longer maintains it.

Maybe a checkbox in preferences to switch to extension mode, so addon developers can optionally continue maintaining legacy addons for users who are on older blender versions.

71,098 addon developers rely on Jacque Lucke's Blender extension for VSCode. Could Blender take over it's maintenance, as it no longer works with the new extension system, and Jacque no longer maintains it. Maybe a checkbox in preferences to switch to extension mode, so addon developers can optionally continue maintaining legacy addons for users who are on older blender versions.

@dfelinto there was a proposal for locking in this task:

  • Users should not be locked out of updating extensions
    • If the lock is from the same session, just show a info/warning about waiting/trying later.
    • If the lock is from another session, popup asking if users want to delete lock (and manually try again).
    • (related: Extensions: lock is held by other session #122135)None.

I've committed support to "Force Unlock" a repository and removed the text above, but it works differently to the steps you've listed.

  • The option to force unlock a repository is available in the repository popover.
  • This option is typically greyed out, the tooltip includes the reasons, currently they are:
    • The repository is not locked.
    • The repository is locked by this blender session.
  • Force unlocking shows a confirm/cancel popup (defaulting to cancel) with some information including the age of the lock and it's location.
  • Any operation on a locked repository notes that the repository can be unlocked via the repositories popover.

This is mainly as a way to prevent users having to manually navigate into the directory and delete it themselves.


Supporting this seems risky:

If the lock is from another session, popup asking if users want to delete lock

Since users often click "OK" to these kinds of messages and in this case clicking through could lead to repository corruption. Further, this should be an exceptional case, if this is happening often I think we would be better off investigating why that is - and ways to reduce the risk of Blender leaving the repository locked.

Besides that, implementing the steps proposed isn't trivial as users would probably expect the dialog to continue with whatever action requires the lock after force-unlocking. This is something Blender's UI doesn't support without some fairly awkward operator logic. This has been done for the drag & drop UI, implementing this for locking would require something similar for all actions that manipulate the repository (including drag & drop). In short, I don't think it's practical to implement this without UI development that focuses on better supporting this use-case.


It's probably best any larger changes to user interactions on a locked repository are handled as design tasks.

@dfelinto there was a proposal for locking in this task: > - [ ] Users should not be locked out of updating extensions > - If the lock is from the same session, just show a info/warning about waiting/trying later. > - If the lock is from another session, popup asking if users want to delete lock (and manually try again). > - (related: Extensions: lock is held by other session #122135)*None.* I've committed support to "Force Unlock" a repository and removed the text above, but it works differently to the steps you've listed. - The option to force unlock a repository is available in the repository popover. - This option is typically greyed out, the tooltip includes the reasons, currently they are: - The repository is not locked. - The repository is locked by this blender session. - Force unlocking shows a confirm/cancel popup (defaulting to cancel) with some information including the age of the lock and it's location. - Any operation on a locked repository notes that the repository can be unlocked via the repositories popover. This is mainly as a way to prevent users having to manually navigate into the directory and delete it themselves. ---- Supporting this seems risky: > If the lock is from another session, popup asking if users want to delete lock Since users often click "OK" to these kinds of messages and in this case clicking through could lead to repository corruption. Further, this should be an exceptional case, if this is happening often I think we would be better off investigating why that is - and ways to reduce the risk of Blender leaving the repository locked. Besides that, implementing the steps proposed isn't trivial as users would probably expect the dialog to continue with whatever action requires the lock after force-unlocking. This is something Blender's UI doesn't support without some fairly awkward operator logic. This has been done for the drag & drop UI, implementing this for locking would require something similar for all actions that manipulate the repository (including drag & drop). In short, I don't think it's practical to implement this without UI development that focuses on better supporting this use-case. ---- It's probably best any larger changes to user interactions on a locked repository are handled as design tasks.
Author
Owner

Closing this for now since Extensions is now officially released :)

Closing this for now since Extensions is now officially released :)
Blender Bot added the
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label 2024-07-18 16:32:01 +02:00
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