Jim Higson wrote:
I think plug-ins are bad; they limit software choices, which should be left to the client.
In general I agree, but I think if sensibly aproached they can enhance the wiki. For example those without a JRE installed could be sent a prerendered png, and those with could be sent the applet.
IMO plugins aimed at a specific purpose are bad - ie the user having to install software *just* to view molecules, but well supported, general purpose plugins like java and flash are accpetable provided those who don't have them aren't given 'broken' pages.
I for one don't like plugins, but agree that they *can* be of *additional* use. So, why not display the molecule as a PNG, then open a new browser window with a 3D/whatever applet when the user clicks on it? alt="Click here to see it in 3D (EvilJava required)." would give a hint.
Magnus