(plugins)=
# Plugins

Plugins in System Template are Python files stored in the `_plugins` folder. There are two types of plugins:

- Global plugins: These are stored in the `<filters-data>/system_template/_plugins` folder and are shared across all systems.
- Local plugins: These are stored in the `<filters-data>/system_template/<system>/_plugins` folder and are specific to the respective system.

Plugins are executed using the `exec` function, and their local scope is merged with the scope of the system. In cases where a local plugin defines functions or variables with the same name as a global plugin, the local definition takes precedence.

It is recommended to use plugins only for defining functions. Data should be defined in the `_scope.json` files and the global scope file of `system_template`. While plugins can execute arbitrary code, it is advised to limit their use to function definitions.

Upon a fresh installation of the `system_template` filter in your project, the default global plugins folder will contain a file named `_default.py`. This file defines a plugin that imports the following objects and modules from Python's standard library:

- `math`
- `random`
- `uuid`
- `pathlib.Path`

```{note}
The use of plugins stands out as one of the main advantages of employing System Template over its individual modules. While using Subfunctions or JSON Template alone restricts you to the functions provided by each module, System Template allows you to extend their functionallity by adding your own functions through plugins.
```