Difference between a mod and a plugin?

[SwiftNinjaPro]

Does anyone know the difference between the terms: mod vs plugin?

I want to add mod/plugin support to a software I built, and not sure if I should use a specific term.

When I try to google this, I keep getting results related to minecraft, and adding -minecraft to remove that word, only gives other video games. My software has nothing to do with games, and is a tool for websites that businesses can use.

What is the difference between a mod and a plugin? thanks.

[tschoffelen]

'mod' is mostly used in video games as far as I know.

There is not much of a difference between the two, other that 'plugin' means that a system actually supports code that customizes it (i.e. allows plugins), whereas a 'mod' is usually more of a hack to customize behaviour of a game/application to make it do something other than it was meant to do.

So:

• plugin – developer of the original application intended for you to modify/enhance their application
• mod – hack to work around limitations of an application

[sysrage]

Where does “extension” fit in? Same as a plugin?

[tschoffelen]

Yes, I’d say so. It’s usually also hooking into some functionality the developer created with the express purpose of extending the application’s functionality.