How to Register a Plugin with Matter.Plugin in Matter.js

Extending the functionality of Matter.js is straightforward using its built-in plugin architecture. This guide explains how to define, register, and activate a plugin using the Matter.Plugin module in Matter.js, complete with code examples to get your custom physics engine extensions running properly.

1. Define the Plugin Object

Before registering a plugin, you must define an object that conforms to the Matter.js plugin specification. A valid plugin must contain at least three properties: name, version, and an install method.

• name (string): The unique identifier for the plugin (e.g., "matter-attractors").
• version (string): A semantic version string (e.g., "1.0.0").
• install (function): The function executed when the plugin is loaded, which receives the Matter root object (or specified host) as an argument to patch or extend features.

const myCustomPlugin = {
  name: 'matter-custom-plugin',
  version: '1.0.0',
  install: function(base) {
    // Modify Matter.js or add new properties
    base.customFeature = function() {
      console.log('Custom plugin feature executed.');
    };
  }
};

2. Register the Plugin

To register the plugin with the engine's internal registry, pass the plugin object to Matter.Plugin.register():

Matter.Plugin.register(myCustomPlugin);

Registering the plugin makes it known to the Matter.js plugin system, handles dependency resolution, and prevents multiple conflicting versions from being installed.

3. Activate the Plugin

Registering a plugin adds it to the registry, but you must invoke Matter.use() to execute the install function and apply its modifications to the engine:

// Activate a single plugin or multiple plugins
Matter.use(myCustomPlugin);

// Alternatively, call it by its registered name if previously registered
Matter.use('matter-custom-plugin');

You can also install multiple plugins simultaneously by passing them as a comma-separated list or an array:

Matter.use(pluginA, pluginB);

Complete Implementation Example

// 1. Create the plugin definition
const wrapPlugin = {
  name: 'matter-screen-wrap',
  version: '0.1.0',
  install: function(matter) {
    // Hook into the engine's update cycle
    matter.Events.on(matter.Engine, 'afterUpdate', function(event) {
      // Custom screen-wrapping logic here
    });
  }
};

// 2. Register the plugin
Matter.Plugin.register(wrapPlugin);

// 3. Apply the plugin to Matter.js
Matter.use(wrapPlugin);